By Stacey Tucker
(Contact / Staff Bio)
April 11, 2009 - 02:20 p.m. EST
Click on photo to enlarge
Adrian Gerber has courageously fought leukemia.
CARO — An 11-year-old who has courageously fought leukemia is asking if the community could grant him just one small wish - to send him a card.
Adrian Gerber was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 8 years old. Over the past three years, he has battled his cancer and won twice, until it began to take a downward turn recently.
Gerber’s father, Randy Gerber, said the leukemia has begun to attack Adrian’s liver.
“The cancer cells are increasing, the leukemia cells are increasing and his liver enzymes are increasing” Gerber said. “They’re giving him just two weeks, maybe a month to live.
“We’re hoping he makes it to his 12th birthday on the 21st of this month.”
Although Adrian has been fighting hard to save his own life, the young man never quits thinking about everyone else.
Scott Schalow, whose daughter Leah has battled cancer, remembers a time when Adrian lifted her spirits when she needed it the most.
“My daughter never took her chemo really well and one day we were in her room and, without a knock, the door opens and it’s Adrian,” Schalow said. “Without so much as a word, he walks up and he lays these quarters on her pillow and he tells her to go to the vending machine and to get something good when she’s done.
“Then he quietly left the room, to face his own chemo treatment. I will go to my grave remembering that incredible act of selflessness.”
Adrian would also wander up a floor at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and could be found telling the children jokes, just to see them smile.
Randy Gerber said Adrian has taught him more in the last three years than he could learn in a lifetime.
“He has taught me what’s really important in life,” Gerber said. “It feels like he’s the strongest while we’re the weakest.
“I’m proud to have him as a son.”
With everything Adrian has been facing recently, his mother, Tina Smith said a card in the mail really makes his day.
“It’s a hard road that he’s been going down and right now we’re doing everything we can to brighten up his day,” she said. “It would be nice for him to know that the community is thinking about him.”
Leah Schalow agreed.
“I really hope a lot of people send cards to him. That would really make his day,” she said. “He’s just a really great person and it’s just horrible that something like this happened to him.”
Anyone interested in sending Adrian a card may do so at P.O. Box 201, Caro MI, 48723. He likes funny animal cards, loves dogs and hunting.
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April 12, 2009
8:57 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I read this then look at the right side of the screen. A lot of complaining and unhappy people there.
We all could learn a lot from Adrian. Life is short and much shorter for some.
God Bless him!
April 13, 2009
1:52 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Gerber family & friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope that all of Tuscola County would find a moment to send Adrian a card, We can all make a wish come true for such a brave boy. God Bless and keep you.
April 13, 2009
9:10 p.m.Report inappropriate content
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Gerber Family. Unfortunately I can understand exactly what this family is going through having lost a 7 year old brother to this very same disease 19 years ago in June. Reading this story really brought me to tears. God bless that child for his courage and selfless acts & as a father I cant image the pain your family is going through. May god give you the strenght to endure
April 16, 2009
4:49 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Adrian and family,
Adrian, you are an amazing young man! Your compassion for others is incredible. You gave your stuffed animal recently to my grandson Shane when he was having a hard time with his poke. My prayers are with you and your family. You are so brave. You have people who love you and are praying for you that you have never seen!!
April 17, 2009
3:15 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Adrian & family...
I was the "check-in" lady at the Peds Hem-Onc and Bone Marrow Transplant clinics for the past few years, 'til I switched to a different job, last November. Adrian, I remember you well, and I always loved your cheerful smile and positive attitude. It's been a privilege and an honor to know you...you're one of the nicest, kindest, and bravest people (of ANY age)I've ever met! You (and all your family) are in my prayers, always... May God Bless you and hold you gently in the palm of his hand! Much love, from Kristina A.
April 18, 2009
9:53 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Happy Birthday Adrian!! It has been a while since I have seen you but you still are smiling. Keep Strong and stay hopeful. You are a very brave young man and that is a rare thing these days. I hope you still have the bracelet I gave you if not thats o.k. Have a great Bday!!!
April 21, 2009
9:19 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Happy Birthday Adrian!! We hope you have a great day!
From your friends in Miss Adkins class at Meyer Elementary. We sent you some birthday cards, hope you get them soon!
April 21, 2009
9:56 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Happy Birthday Adrian, you're in all of our hearts and thoughts.
I hope you love all your cards!
April 21, 2009
2:24 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Happy Birthday, Adrian!! I hope you have a GREAT day... Did you get my card, yet? I'll be thinking of you! :) Kristina A. (from the Cancer Center)
April 22, 2009
2:27 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Happy Birthday Adrian! I know it was yesterday, but I wanted to make sure you received lots of birthday wishes. You sound like a very special boy. God's blessing to you. Cards will be coming your way.