Local business helps 4-year-old suffering from rare disease - By Michelle Libby

Norm and Betty Jo Cash, owners of Onsite Auto Glass, will be collecting food and non-perishable items for the family of 4-year-old Kaden Fecteau of Casco until mid-July. 

On August 18, 2015, Kaden “was diagnosed with stage 3 Rabdomyosarcoma. The tumor was is his ear, and putting pressure on a nerve in the right side of his face. The tumor had wrapped itself around the bone which initially made it inoperable. Kaden underwent treatment to reduce the size, to allow surgery. Kaden and his family have taken multiple journeys to Boston, and spent many nights at Maine Medical. Initially things went well, then the tumor was found to have new growth. This is extremely rare. The decision was made to operate. Baby Batman (Kaden’s nickname after his favorite superhero) came through the surgery like a champ. But, unfortunately this type of cancer is expected to return if left alone, Kaden continues to undergo treatment. Oncologists give him a 30 to 40 percent chance of survival, and a poor long term survival rate,” said a statement from family friends. 

“To look at him you would never know he’s sick. He’s a very active, happy go lucky kid. His smile is contagious,” Betty Jo said. 

The family and Kayden’s parents Michael and Elizabeth Fecteau, are no strangers to adversity. Kaden has a 15-year-old brother and a 10-year-old sister, who has Rett Syndrome. Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, causing a progressive inability to use muscles for eye and body movements and speech. It occurs almost exclusively in girls.

The Cash’s heard about Kayden last September, when their trash man John Scott, of Scott’s Disposal was doing a bottle drive to raise money for the family. At Christmas time, through 50/50 raffles and more bottles, friends were able to raise between $1,700 and $1,800 to help the family through the holidays.

“He’s getting worse. It’s not a good outcome unless a miracle happens,” said Betty Jo. 

 

Junior and Sani Design as well as Active Health Performance Therapy and Onsite Auto Glass are all collecting items for the family “to make it a little easier on them,” said Betty Jo. They are collecting non-perishable items and gas cards, food and toiletries. 

Items can be dropped off at Onsite Auto Glass, 700 Gray Road in Windham during work hours, or at Active Performace Therapy, 512 Warren Ave. in Portland. 

Onsite Auto Glass is accepting food until July 10. FMI, call 207-318-0711.