Lodi community rallies to help athlete diagnosed with cancer
The local youth sports community is rallying to help a Lockeford teen and his family following a cancer diagnosis.
After approximately one month of painful back spasms, Rock “Rocky” Evans, 13, of Lockeford was taken to a South Sacramento hospital on Jan. 30, according to his father, Rueben Evans.
Radiologists noticed something was different with Rocky’s bone density and referred him to a hospital in Roseville, where he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Rueben said.
“Leukemia doesn’t have stages like other cancers. It’s not like it progresses or gets worse, it’s just there,” he said.
Rocky returned home after 14 days in the hospital, according to his mother, Melissa. Rocky has received four rounds of chemotherapy as of Friday, along with multiple blood tests and a minor surgery to implant a port in his chest for medication to be administered.
“He’s doing good, he’s really strong. We’re just working on managing the pain in his back,” Melissa said.
When the Lodi Boosters of Boys and Girls Sports (BOBS) heard of Rocky’s diagnosis, current president Bill Machen and former president Rob Shepard immediately began brainstorming ways to help the young man who played on their baseball, basketball and soccer teams, according to Machen.
“Being a part of Lodi BOBS, Rocky played in our organization, as well as his sisters. His whole family was involved, and we wanted to find a way to give back to them in their time of need.” Machen said.
The two decided to sell 250 tickets redeemable for keys that might open a treasure chest, Machen explained. At $100 per ticket, their goal is to raise $25,000, he explained, $20,000 of which would be donated to the Evans family for medical expenses. The remaining $5,000 would be given to the winner as a prize during a drawing at 3 p.m. March 3 at Salas Park in Lodi, Machen said.
“If we end up selling less that 250 tickets, we’re still going to give 20 percent (of the proceeds) to the winner, but we’re hoping to sell out,” Machen said.
Rueben, a former BOBS board member, was incredibly grateful when Shepard contacted him approximately one week after Rocky’s diagnosis. Rueben remained optimistic for his son’s first 29 days of treatment, after which doctors will determine the best course of treatment for the next 2 1 ⁄2 years, he said.
“John Portscheller, Bill Machen and Rob Shepard worked on it, they’re the ones who are handling basically everything. It was their idea, they came to me to make sure it was OK, and of course it is. Any help at this time is really appreciated,” Rueben said.
The Evans family also received support from Lockeford Elementary School, where Rocky attends seventh grade, as well friends and community members, Melissa said. The family was taken aback by the outpouring of support, visibly comforted by the knowledge that so many people care.
“The school sent him a video of encouragement, pictures, birthday cards. He had his 13th birthday on Sunday, and his friends from school brought gifts and visited in the hospital. The school staff helped with setting up homeschool, getting us anything we needed for that,” Melissa said.
“Everything is so overwhelming. I was surprised by everybody, people we don’t even know, donating their time to help us in our time of need. That’s the overwhelming part of it, in a good way,” Rueben said.
Rocky, for his part, has been keeping his spirits high and taking life one day at a time.
“I just smile and say ‘Thank you.’ That’s the easy part,” Rocky said with a grin.
The drawing for the treasure box will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Salas Park, located at 2101 S. Stockton St., Lodi. Those wishing to purchase tickets may contact Rob Shepard at 209-915-9937 or Bill Machen at 209-684-8113.