Fundraiser Set for Oliver Beach Boy with Cancer

Trisha Haas knew something was wrong with her 7-year-old son Daniel last year when he complained about pain in his left arm.

She took him to several specialists, who linked the pain to several ailments, including “growing pains.” Still, the pain persisted for the second-grader to the point of being unbearable. This led the family to seek out additional test and in March an official diagnosis was discovered: cancer.

Daniel, who enjoys karate and “American Idol,” among other typical childhood activities, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma.

According to the American Cancer Society, Ewing's sarcoma is a form of bone cancer that typically occurs in children,. The tumor usually is found in the arms, legs, pelvis or chest. The tumor may arise anywhere in the body, but usually occurs in the arms and legs, the pelvis, or the chest.

“You don’t know what to think when you hear that diagnosis,” Haas said. “You’re forced to learn a lot really fast. “

The last few months have been very trying for Daniel and his family. He has spent an average of 16 days a month in the hospital, receiving chemotherapy and additional care at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Still, Haas said Daniel’s spirit remains strong.

“He has been so brave through all of this and is determined to beat this and get well,” Haas said. “Plus, he has the personality that just gravitates people toward him. He meets people and they automatically become his friend.”

Like many families that are forced to deal with a catastrophic illness, Daniel’s family has accumulated massive medical expenses related to his care. The Oliver Beach community understands that and is trying to assist to the family the best that they can.

So, friends and volunteers from Oliver Beach Elementary School will hold a fundraiser beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28 outside of George’s Bakery & Deli, located at 12600 Eastern Ave. There, people can purchase pit beef sandwiches, baked goods and other items with all of the proceeds going to help pay for Daniel’s care.

Sheila Phillips, whose son is a classmate of Daniel’s is helping spearhead the effort. She’s not sure how much they will be able to raise, but knows that every bit helps Daniel during a time like this.

“We just wanted to help a child and his family in a time of need,” Phillips said. “I can’t imagine what they are going through, but it’s times like this that Daniel and his family know they are not alone.”

Haas said she has been so touched by the outpouring of support Daniel has received since being diagnosed. He still has a long battle ahead, including months of chemotherapy and possible surgeries.

However, he received some good news this week when he learned the cancer was localized in his arm and that they wouldn’t need to amputate it. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized Eming’s sarcoma is 70 percent.

“It has been a trying time, but the positive that has come out of Daniel’s illness has been it has restored my faith in humanity and my fellow man,” Haas said. “People we barely knew are offering to help and friends and relatives we had lost touched with have come back into our lives wanting to do what they can for Daniel.”

For those who are unable to attend Saturday’s fundraiser, Oliver Beach Elementary School is accepting donations to deposit in an account in Daniel’s name. Checks can be mailed to Oliver Beach elementary School, c/o Pat, 12912 Cuninghill Cove Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21220. Please make checks out to “Daniel” and write tax deduction in the memo space so you can write it off as a charitable donation.