A four-year-old boy is touching the world with his battle with a cancer that few survive. Isaiah Lawson was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in January.
The cancer is about the size of a grapefruit, covering a large portion of the left side of his abdomen and chest. It is also in his bone marrow and bones.
It was news his parents Kristine and Dan Lawson did not want to hear. "We thought it was just a bellyache," says Kristine.
Before the two could even process how their lives were about to change, heartache and pain set in.
Kristine says, "The cancer was all over his body."
But Isaiah's story is not one of dismay. "We cried a lot until Isaiah told us you can't cry anymore mommy," says Kristine.
This story is one of faith and knowing that when a family reaches rock bottom, it is not the end.
Kristine says, "It wasn't until cancer impacted our family that we understood faith so deeply and understood how God sustains you."
Isaiah in month seven of treatment. It leads him and mom or dad to the hospital each day after a 45 minute drive from their home in Fergus Falls.
From the end of September to mid-October he will have a break, then start an intense immunotherapy to rebuild his immune system.
As the family remains on an emotional roller coaster, not knowing what life may hold over the next drop, it holds tight to the little joys and the glimpses of hope.
"Joy when your white count starts rising again and you have working stem cells," says Kristine.
As Isaiah continues to defy the odds, he is pulling an entire community together.
Kristine says, "We get letters saying we don't know your family. We haven't met you guys, but we've heard of your story. We've read your CaringBridge. They are giving and giving generously."
Isaiah's story gives faith and hope that kids can survive, and it is one that will continue to touch lives.
"We will remember these days, and it is day-by-day, hour-by-hour how we will find joy through this time," says Kristine.
There is more to Isaiah's story. His parents sold their house to build him a new one that will help him stay as healthy as possible.
The Fergus Falls community is donating supplies and appliances.
On Friday, his parents are inviting everyone that Isaiah has touched to come write their names, encouraging words and Bible verses on the foundation of their new home to literally leave their mark on his life.
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