Published: November 20, 2008 11:48 pm         

Bowling benefit to help Rossville boy

ROSSVILLE — At 3 years old, Noah Garriott is already a tough little boy. He’s been undergoing chemotherapy since June, and is handling the treatments better than some adults, his family says.

“It isn’t slowing him down,” his mother, Miranda Garriott of Rossville, said.

“He’s just an awesome kid,” great-grandmother Linda Woodworth said.

Noah was diagnosed in June with acute lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer. He’s been undergoing weekly treatments at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

Miranda is trained as an X-ray technologist, but isn’t working while she cares for Noah. His father, David, works construction in Champaign.

Noah also has a half-brother, Ethan, 5, and a half-sister, Maddie, 9. And, Miranda learned one week after Noah’s diagnosis that she’s expecting a baby in March.

With the trips to Indianapolis and other expenses not covered by insurance, the family could use some help. A benefit on Sunday aims to raise money, which will go toward Noah’s health care.

A bowling benefit will start at 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Lanes, which is owned by Woodworth and her husband, Paul. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

Woodworth, who is Miranda’s grandmother, is expecting a good turnout, and also noted that people have been generous with donations and door prizes. “It’s unbelievable,” she said.

Miranda agreed, saying, “God has shown his face in so many ways.” The family has encountered many angels along the way, especially the doctors and nurses at Riley.

Miranda also is thankful to the staff at Hoopeston Regional Health Center, where Noah was diagnosed.

The mother said Noah had a low-grade fever and infections for some time, but doctors couldn’t find the cause. One night, he had a temperature of 104 degrees, and she called an ambulance to take him to the Hoopeston hospital.

The staff drew blood, and within an hour, there was the unofficial diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

The family took Noah to Riley right away.

He’s on a 3 ½-year treatment plan and won’t be finished with the treatments until he’s 7. However, next spring, he’ll change to a low dosage of chemo and will be able to maintain a normal life, his mother said.

Both Miranda and Woodworth said they’re drawing on their faith to get them through the difficult times.

“We’ve definitely lived on our knees the last six months,” Miranda said. The family attends the Second Church of Christ.

Noah has been handling the treatments well, and continues to be an outgoing child.

“We’re all pretty positive about it,” Woodworth said. “Doctors say he’s doing good for what he’s been through.”

“We have a lot of hope,” Miranda said.

COMING UP

A bowling benefit for Noah Garriott, 3, will start at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Lanes, 107 E. Harrison St. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Call 442-0861 for more information.

If you can’t attend the benefit, but would like to help the family with medical expenses, call Linda Woodworth at 304-4803. A fund in Noah’s name also has been established at the Bank of Rossville.