Tot’s illness strains family finances

Family and friends have pitched in to help a Holland family whose son is battling leukemia but costs associated with his treatment have put them in a financial bind.

By JAMES PETTIT
Courier Times
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Two-year-old Justin Weng, of Holland, is undergoing a three-year chemotherapy program to combat leukemia. (Photo: Andrew McKoy/Courier Times)

At 2, most children spend much of their time playing.

For Justin Weng, of Holland, trips to the hospital and chemotherapy treatments have become a large part of his routine.

Weng was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on his second birthday, Sept. 12, 1999. He is eight months into a three-year chemotherapy program.

According to Dr. Leslie Raffini, of the oncology department at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Justin’s leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer.

"It is the highest diagnosed malignancy in children," Raffini said, noting that the cause is unknown.

Dawn Marie Weng, Justin’s mother, said her son’s illness has been tough to deal with, but she believes it will make her family stronger.

"When he was first diagnosed, we were shocked," she said. "But everything happens for a reason, and I think that we can find good in this experience."

Bill Weng, Justin’s father, said, "When I first found out, it hit me hard. I didn’t know what to expect, but after hearing his prognosis,
I got a better outlook."

Their ordeal has shown her that people can be very caring, Dawn said.

"Justin’s grandfather is a car racing fan and people on the www.racingangels.org Web site have sent presents for Justin," she said. "And the St. Adalbert Elementary School in Port Richmond mailed Justin cards and pictures wishing him well. It was sweet," she said.

Family and friends have helped as well.

"Without the grandparents and my friend Terry we would be going crazy, they have been so supportive," she said.

Fortunately, Raffini said the cure rate is over 80 percent with appropriate care. And Justin has been doing great, she said.

"He has been a doll, he is doing well and he is a wonderful child, but he has great parents, so I guess that’s why," Raffini said.

Unfortunately for the Wengs, the cost of Justin’s prescriptions and emergency room trips are straining the family’s budget.

To help the family, Justin’s grandparents have organized a pair of fund-raising events.

At 8 p.m. on July 15, there will be a dinner and bowling party at Penndel Lanes in Penndel. At 8 p.m. on Oct. 6, a beef-and-beer event will be held at the United German Hungarian Club in the Oakford section of Bensalem.

Bill Weng said he didn’t want to beg for money, but if people want to send a donation it would be "greatly appreciated."

Monday, May 29, 2000