13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Young cancer survivor's family grateful to friends

Young cancer survivor's family grateful to friends

Like the statue in their front yard, the Storm family's life once read like a book. "The fall of 2004 we were just going along, three kids, very busy, running to one event and another," said Lea Storm.

But the chaos was about to turn into a crisis. "I was pretty sure it was something serious," she said.

Doctors at Riley Hospital for children diagnosed 14-year-old Jared with Burkitt's lymphoma, an aggressive cancer. "He had numerous infections, numerous setbacks but the whole time had a good prognosis," said Lea.

While Jared fought the cancer with chemotherapy, a family friend organized an army of volunteers to keep the house running.

"What I did was organize meals. We always had meals for them," said Jean Johnston. "I'd stop over and I'd make sure that the milk was put away and the kitchen was straightened up and empty the dryer and fold clothes and pet the dog for a while."

The turning point came after a Poker-Harley fundraising ride organized by Make-A-Wish volunteer Sharon Shafer. She says prayers were answered. "The Christian Motorcycle Association Riders met us there and they actually did a little prayer and laying of the hands on Jared," she said.

Jared's blood count rose and the road to recovery began. "I think God just gave me strength in the beginning and that helped a lot and made it a lot easier," said Jared.

The motorcycle ride raised enough money so Jared could see the ocean for the first time. "It was amazing," Jared said.

Soon Make-A-Wish will help Jared meet his favorite band: the Christian rock group Blindside. "Some of their songs helped me a lot through when I was sick and just gave me inspiration to keep going," Jared said.

"They meet them, they get to spend the day with them, they have dinner with them," said Shafer.

The Storm house is full of music and laughter now. "He is cancer free and has an excellent chance of staying that way," said Lea.

It's thanks - in part - to a few helpful neighbors. "My husband and I still look back and go how did we do it? And it was on the prayers of our family and friends," said Lea.