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  • Approved for CNN

    • Click to view gypsydayne's profile
    Posted November 5, 2009 by
    gypsydayne
    Location
    Washington, Illinois
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    iReport for CNN

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    Decorate for Dax

    By gypsydayne  |  Posted November 5, 2009  |  Washington, Illinois
     

    CNN PRODUCER NOTE     gypsydayne got involved in a local movement to decorate houses in Dax's neighborhood (and invite people everywhere to do so as well). The goal is to decorate homes in the area so that Dax can have a well-lit Christmas experience in case he doesn't make it to the holidays.
    - nsaidi, CNN iReport producer

    Dax is a 2 year old boy from Washington, IL who has terminal AML- a rare form of leukemia. His parents, Austin & Julie Locke,  have been told that he probably only has anwhere from 4-8 weeks left. A patient of St. Jude, Dax underwent chemo, 2 bone marrow transpants & other procedures. He has a tumor on his spine & the leukemia is everywhere. He did receive radiation on his spine this week  for the tumor as a pallative measure- so Dax wouldn't loose control over his arms, legs, bladder for his death. Sadly, there's nothing further medicine can do for Dax. It is very devastating. 

     

    Everyone wants to know what they can do for Dax. The family has requested that everyone "Decorate for Dax". They want everyone to pull out their Christmas lights a little early this year. Already in his neighborhood, as you will see in the video, neighbors are decorating. The decorations started going up the day after Halloween. Inside Dax's house is a tree & friends put a 22 ft lighted "tree" in the back yard. They have been inudated with presents for Dax- which he opens in the mornings. Dax loves Christmas lights! It is not known if he will be here @ Christmas. There is a website: www.decoratefordax.com  where people can take pics & post them for Dax to see & to see the posts from people in this area & around the country.  The family also has a informational website/journal @ http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/daxlocke

    A news story was posted last night at : http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=85322

     

    I went through the neighborhood last night before the new story even aired & was delighted to see the Christmas decorations. I sobbed like a baby, but was overjoyed @ the show & support for this family who may not have their baby here @ Christmas time. It's unusual to see Christmas lights up so early, but this year, there's a good reason.

     

    You can join in Decorate For Dax by decorating and taking a photo & sharing it on the Decorate For Dax website listed above- no matter where you live!  You can also make a donation in Dax's name to St. Jude. The family plans on making a rememberance scapbook of all the lights. Help them make this sad time a fond rememberance of the outpouring of love & support.

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