If you were driving down Main Street on August 3, you may have noticed an odd site:  hula hoopers on the side of the road.  They were there to draw attention to the ongoing community support offered to Jerome Axton during his fight with cancer.  The event that evening took place in the roped off parking lot of Almost Heaven Desserts and was coordinated by Wakem Simon. 

 

More than 60 people attended the informal gathering and were treated to live music by Axton’s friends, Nat Frederick and Dave Frame.   Even though it rained as the musicians started to play, the crowd stayed to support Axton and were thrilled when he showed up at the event.  “Jerome had a treatment on Saturday that really wiped him out, but he still came to show his appreciation,” said Judy Bonamico.  “ It was really cool how his friends surrounded him.”

 

Axton, who is a 2010 graduate of BHS, has been optimistically fighting osteosarcoma since April.  Towards the end of school last spring, students sold bracelets to support him that read, “No One Fights Alone”.  This could not be a truer statement for Axton, as he credits his family, friends, faith and community for helping to keep him strong through his battle.  After his first seven chemotherapy treatments, he underwent an extensive surgery that lasted more than seven hours.  When he woke up, 16 inches of his femur and eight inches of his tibia had been removed and replaced with rods, he had undergone a complete knee replacement and he was sporting 60 staples in his leg.

 

The public support has raised awareness of his fight and has also helped offset some of his medical expenses so he can focus on getting better.  Throughout the summer, there have been many fundraisers events and Axton says that the support and encouragement are what keep him going.  “Every text, card, visit or Facebook message lifts me up so much.  I cannot express my gratitude enough,” Axton says.

 

On Thursday, August 21, there will be another opportunity for people to show Axton their support.  A Quarter Auction will take place at Via Veneto and items to be auctioned off include Kennywood tickets, a Coach handbag, jewelry, art and themed baskets.  Doors will open at 5:00, with the auction starting at 6:00.  Tickets for the event are available for $10 at Expressions Hair Salon and concessions will be available on site.