MANATEE COUNTY – 12-year-old TJ Blackwell is in the fight of his life.
But, if you ask him, his answer laced with childhood innocence will leave you speechless.
“Things really haven’t been that bad, I rarely feel bad,” says TJ.
Followed with a slight giggle and boyish grin he says, “I’ve been doing good.”
The truth is TJ is batting a rare form of osteosarcoma pediatric bone cancer.
“It’s about 2 percent of all childhood cancers. It’s very aggressive. He’s been doing chemotherapy,” says TJ’s mom, Adrienne Blackwell.
Things became even more complicated for the Lee Middle Schooler.
“This past May he just had a total knee replacement and a prosthetic put in,” says Blackwell.
TJ finds strength and comfort in simple things, like video games, his friends and a supportive online community called Team TJ.
“Whenever I feel upset or anything I can go there and there are so many people that are always nice,” says TJ.
That’s why this month TJ is the recipient of ‘A Helping Hand’ sponsored by Carl Reynolds’ Law Firm, adding Reynolds himself to the growing list of TJ’s army of well-wishing warriors.
“You’re a tough guy and I want to be like you when I grow up, so kudos to you. And I know it can be expensive going through these treatments and also the electronics and buying games and things so my law firm is going to help out a little bit we’re going to send you a check for a $1000, just to show our appreciation and admiration for your toughness and what you’re going through and bring a little sunshine and happiness as you’re going through it,” says Reynolds.
And he goes through it with grace, poise and gratitude well beyond his years.
“Thank you, that’s really really nice,” says TJ.
Visit Team TJ for more information or TJ STRONG, CANCER SUCKS.
