Fundraiser helps family as child fights cancer

March 11-- Mar. 11--Between a chili feed and auction fundraiser March 2 at College Place Presbyterian Church and cash donations, organizers deposited $4,040 into a Banner Bank account to benefit the Danica and Michael Gatlin family of Dayton.

The couple's youngest child of three, son Chayton Gatlin, 2, is currently undergoing an almost 10-month chemotherapy regimen to contend with rhabdomyosarcoma. The childhood cancer attacks soft tissue in the body.

"This whole process would not have been possible without the community and the people that reached out to help with everything involved," emailed friend Machelle Schneider of Walla Walla.

Further contributions to help the couple with unexpected expenses may be made to the FBO THE GATLIN FAMILY account at any Banner Bank branch.

Machelle and daughter Krystal Schneider want to plan another event or raffle in summer because of the extended time period for Chayton's chemo treatments. Machelle said her sister, Penny Arrowood, stepped up and provided whatever assistance was needed to make the chili feed a success.

Meanwhile, Danica emailed recently, following week five out of 43 weeks of treatment. Chayton made it through his fourth week -- five straight days of chemo -- with flying colors, she said.

"Through these weeks up to now he has only started the hair loss side effect last week and has yet to be nauseous or sick.

"This kid is a warrior among warriors and has yet to falter in his personality, being the laughing, smiley kid we've always had," Danica said.

She said Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest in Spokane is providing the Gatlins with a "home away from home" for the remainder of treatment, but at week 13, around the end of April, he transfers back to (Seattle Children's Hospital) for six-eight weeks of radiation/proton therapy," Danica said.

Michael and the couple's older children, Mason, 4, and Ava, who will be 3 on March 25, travel to see their mom and brother on the weekends as Michael has work in the Tri-Cities. Mason attends ECAP at Dayton Elementary when possible.

Danica said Krystal Dillard "has become our main baby sitter to help us stay organized as well as Michael's dad, when he is home at the end of the week."

"Week 43 can't come soon enough, which will bring us home the weekend before Thanksgiving, just in time for the most important time families have, Danica said.

Etcetera appears in daily and Sunday editions. Annie Charnley Eveland can be reached at annieeveland@wwub.com or afternoons at 526-8313.

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