Classmates, community get behind cancer patient
<p>Kindergarten teacher Jackie Peterson gives a cupcake to Cole Whitworth, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.</p>
<p>Cole Whitworth (far right, second row) gathers with his friends from Mrs. Peterson's kindergarten class.</p>
<p>Whitworth pores over the pages of a Dr. Seuss book.</p>
POLSON — Over at Cherry Valley Elementary School on Friday afternoon, Mrs. Peterson’s kindergarten class was hard at work making birthday cards in anticipation of fellow student Cole Whitworth’s sixth birthday. The birthday celebration was even more special than most, as Cole had been absent from school for the past three weeks since he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. Cole’s teacher Jackie Peterson said, “I found out three weeks ago and I took it really hard. He is so wonderful and has such a wonderful family.” Since Cole had been out of school, “it was really important to make this day special,” Mrs. Peterson said. When Cole arrived he was greeted with excitement by his fellow classmates. The class gave Cole cards they had prepared and Mrs. Peterson led the class in singing Cole’s favorite song, “The Duck Song,” before singing “Happy Birthday” and partaking in a cupcake snack.
Cole’s parents Cale Whitworth and Cecile Lafromboise put on a strong face during the gathering and were happy to be able to have a birthday celebration for Cole here in Polson. Lafromboise said, “we are just going to celebrate with a few friends and family, and some Indian tacos.”
“We are trying to keep the family as stable as possible,” Lafromboise added.
Cole’s siblings are staying with relatives in Polson while their parents are with Cole at the hospital in Spokane. “It’s tough you know,” Lafromboise said, “Cole has radiation five days a week and chemotherapy one day a week.”
Through this difficult time the local community has really come together to try and help out. For instance, the school organized a bake sale to raise money for the family.
“It went really well!” Mrs. Peterson exclaimed. “Last I heard we had already raised $600. Not too bad for kindergarteners, first and second graders!”
Family friend Shelley Croft, is the driving force behind an upcoming auction to be held at KwaTaqNuk Resort on Oct. 20. The event begins with a no host cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m., a dinner from 7-8 p.m. and a live auction at 8 p.m.
Croft said, “We have everything from jewelry to a horse up for auction, the community has really come together to help someone in need.” Interested parties may purchase tickets at Glacier Brewery or contact Shelley Croft at 250-9060. Tickets will also be sold at the event.
Despite having had brain surgery only several days earlier, Cole appeared in good spirits Friday afternoon, playing with fellow classmates and listening to his dad read to him from Dr. Seuss. Cole even knew what he wanted for his birthday, “Spiderman City.” Cole misses his school, “Lafromboise said, “he misses his friends and Mrs. Peterson, it is really helping his recovery being home.”