Away But Not Alone: Easton’s Community of Support

As summer break ends, most kids are preparing to go back into the classroom. 

That's exactly what 11-year-old Easton was expecting last September. Instead, Easton and his family were in the hospital, discovering he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.  

Because of long hospital stays and his cancer treatments, Easton couldn't attend school. With dreams of attending college and a love for learning, he was worried about falling behind in his course work.  

Lindy, Easton’s mom, says, “Easton was frustrated. He looked at me and said, ‘Mom, I’m going to get left behind.' It almost broke my heart. It was really hard on him.” 

Staying connected to classmates was difficult too. For kids like Easton, that distance can make feelings of loneliness and isolation even harder. 

“It was boring,” Easton said when asked what it was like for him to be at the hospital when his friends were back at school. 

Easton got to do something special for his classmates, too. He made a surprise visit at school, and as he walked towards them, they erupted with joy, chanting, “Easton!”, “Easton!”, “Easton!” 

“I felt a bit shy but also happy,” Easton said. “I was happy but couldn’t put it on my face because I was shy and maybe a bit embarrassed.”  

For Lindy, witnessing the love and support her son received was overwhelming in the best way. 

“I attempted to maintain my emotions so that I wouldn’t embarrass him,” she shared. “As a mom you believe and hope that your kid is liked and loved, but to actually see it is quite remarkable.” 

Easton’s story is a testament to why community support is so powerful. Kids knowing they’re being cheered on and encouraging their return to school can have a lasting impact on a child’s healing process.  

Healing begins with happiness.  

Starlight’s community is coming together to show hospitalized kids nationwide that they’re not alone. Through Starlight, compassionate supporters like you are funding backpacks filled with essential supplies for kids to do school at the hospital. 

Join our dedicated supporters in providing backpacks for seriously ill kids and help us reach our $6,000 fundraising goal by the end of the month.