March 2, 2005 08:46

Oakland Press, Wed, 02 Mar 2005 12:38 PM PST Firefighters grant a 4-year-old's wish Little Blake Jackson often talks about his battle with cancer as if it were as simple as fighting the common cold. Diagnosed at 12 months old, Blake - now 4 - hasn't fully grasped how the illness affected his family, said his mother, Kelly Jackson.

Kelly Jackson said the White Lake Township family knew something was wrong with Blake when the active little boy suddenly stopped walking one day, prompting her to take him to the doctor for a checkup. A cancer diagnosis came just a short time later, sending the family on an odyssey of chemotherapy treatments and a bone marrow transplant for Blake, who has been in remission from Ewing's sarcoma for almost three years.

Ewing's sarcoma is a rare bone cancer that can spread to other organs. It typically occurs in young boys. Blake bravely fought the illness, Kelly Jackson said, and she's unsure if he is aware of how many lives he's touched.

The Aspen Times, Wed, 02 Mar 2005 4:15 AM PST Aspen High School's campus will be empty today and nearby slopes crowded with kids - but don't be alarmed, the mass truancy is all for a good cause.

This year, the students launched a fund-raising drive for Stefan "Zed" Zedlacher, a 2004 graduate of Aspen High who has struggled all year against Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

News 14 Charlotte, Tue, 15 Mar 2005 5:13 AM PST Saving lives and limbs The prognosis for children with bone cancer has greatly improved throughout the years. Now, quality of life after surviving is just as important. Jenna Keen is a very active 13-year old.

Bone cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, bone cancer is uncommon, comprising less than 0.2 percent of all new cancer cases in the United States. The incidence of primary bone cancer (cancers starting in bones) is highest in children and adolescents. In 2005, about 2,570 new cases of cancer of the bones and joints will be diagnosed, and about 1,210 deaths from these cancers are expected.

Rotationplasty: After doctors remove a portion of a bone cancer patient's limb, they can use the operative procedure called rotationplasty to rotate the remaining limb 180 degrees and re-attach it, so the old ankle joint becomes the new knee joint. Patients still have a limb that is shorter and must wear a prosthesis. But instead of having an amputation high above the knee, it is below the knee. With this procedure, patients have an active knee that powers the prosthesis. Patients also still have growth of the limb, but it is through the growth plates just above the ankle and up the hip.

Sun, 27 Mar 2005 10:16 PM PST Former LSU soccer star has a positive attitude Her can-do spirit fighting rare form of cancer CARENCRO -- Robyn DesOrmeaux faces obstacles head-on. Whether the former LSU goalkeeper is blocking an 80-mph soccer ball or dealing with her latest challenge -- a rare form of cancer -- her bright, can-do spirit and willingness to put others' needs before her own helps her in either circumstance.

DesOrmeaux was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma this fall after her senior season. She credited her personality for allowing her to cope with cancer in a matter-of-fact way.

Ewing's sarcoma is an extremely rare type of bone cancer that typically strikes teenage males. According the American Cancer Society's Web site, about 150 people are diagnosed yearly in the United States.