A simple gesture and how much it meant

I called little Ethyn Clark’s mother with questions about the honor bestowed upon him at the football game Friday, Sept. 1 at State Center. She apologized for not having time to visit. Ethyn was running a slight fever and his parents Travis and Amy Clark of Melbourne, Iowa were taking him into the hospital for observation.

“Is it okay if I call you back tomorrow afternoon?” she asked.

Certainly. His having a fever was not something to be taken lightly. In July the fourth grader at West Marshall Community School was diagnosed with leukemia. He had just finished up a four-week chemotherapy treatment that took a toll on his immune system, hampering his ability to fend off any viruses/infections.

His mom called later with a happy report. He was going to be okay.

Back to my reason for calling. I was interested in hearing more about Ethyn’s special day. Their high school football coach told his parents they wanted to play a game in his honor. Ethyn was officially named honorary team captain during the afternoon pep rally. But there was more to come.

Read more in the Sept. 13 issue of The Ogden Reporter.

 

PHOTO ID: Ethyn Clark’s hometown community and school rallied in support of the nine-year-old recently diagnosed with leukemia, wearing yellow and blue shirts stamped with his nickname, E-Train. The back reads: #Ethyn Strong. Bulldog Lucas Elsner, pictured, and teammates joined in supporting him with fist bumps and words of encouragement prior to the start of Ogden’s game with West Marshall. Standing alongside Ethyn are his parents Amy and Travis and his five-year-old sister Ensly.  -Photo courtesy of Michelle Wilson

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