Oct 13, 2009 11:52 pm US/Eastern
NJ Community Rallies Around Leukemia-Stricken Boy
Super Pee Wee Football Teammates, Parents Sell Bracelets, Schedule Walk To Raise Money For Doyle Hagany
MENDHAM, N.J. (CBS) ―
A little boy is facing a very grown-up battle. He's fighting potentially life-threatening leukemia.
But the community is rallying around him, providing support. And as CBS 2 HD found out it really does take a village.
Doyle Hagany is a typical 10-year-old. He loves playing video games and hanging out with his friends. But this fifth grader with a huge smile and big heart is fighting the toughest battle of his life -- cancer.
"They just brought me to the X-ray place and said something was there," Hagany said.
Hagany was diagnosed with leukemia back in September when doctors found a tumor in his chest.
"I thought asthma, never ever cancer. It wouldn't happen to us," said Sara Hagany, Doyle's mother.
The cancer has forced Doyle to stay home, away from what he loves the most, playing with the super pee wee football team out of Mendham and Chester.
"I miss football, skateboarding, hockey," Doyle said.
His teammates miss him, too.
"He's like strong and everything and he's really tough," teammate Grady Smith said.
As Hagany undergoes chemotherapy, his mother, who also suffers from a brain injury, has been his greatest support.
"It was very hard at the beginning, but now I know he's going to be fine. We're feeling very positive," Sara Hagany said.
He's feeling positive because this brave duo is getting tremendous help from the parents of Doyle's teammates -- his friends, the entire community and a Christian organization called "Dare to Care."
"It's been unbelievable," Sara Hagany said.
Friends have been raising money selling bracelets, and they've planned a walk in November.
"They need this money desperately," said Jim Petrucci of "Dare to Care."
It seems everyone in town is wearing these bracelets, including Doyle's friends, who've been by his side since he was diagnosed with leukemia.
"I feel happy that everyone is helping," Doyle said.
Sara Hagany, who is divorced and can't drive or work because of her own injury, said she wouldn't have been able to make it if it weren't for the generosity of others.
"Thank you. Thank you very much," she said.
"I'm hoping it goes away when it supposed to in seven months," Doyle added.
And there's no question in their minds that their strong friend will beat the odds.
To find out where to send donations and get more information about the "Do It For Doyle Walk," please click
here.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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