With only one more immunotherapy treatment left to go for 5-year-old Colton White, a local group put together a fundraiser on March 11 to help the family deal with medical expenses and other related costs to treatment.
Over a year ago, White was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a cancer typically found in the adrenal glands.
"Hot Springs has been amazing," Audrey White, Colton's mother, said. "Like they've been great with my son. It's just been overwhelming, the amazing support that we've gotten from our community."
Colton's Crusaders at The Warehouse, 301 Broadway St., was organized by family friends of the Whites, Cortney Nanney, Noah Lloyd, Blake Woodson and owner of The Warehouse, Gefer Sims.
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The event featured live music by Pleasantly Blue, special appearances by Spider-Man, Super Woman and Miki the Monkey, a bouncy castle and food from Clampit's BBQ. The event featured a silent auction with donations from businesses from around the Hot Springs area.
Also present at the event were cancer survivors who have followed White's story and cheered him on the whole way.
While some of the treatments and medications have been covered by insurance, others have not. The family opted to use more natural treatments that are less harsh on the young body when possible.
After his last immunotherapy treatment, White will do a trial for two years.
According to Audrey White, only a handful of medications have been available to children her son's age for the past few decades while hundreds of treatments have been found for adults in that time.
"There needs to be a lot more awareness for the research for these kids," she said.
Despite the challenges of the past year, Colton White has remained strong and courageous and is looking to take on his next challenge in August -- kindergarten. He has been described as a "wild child" and loves to play outside, superheroes and sports as well as his two older brothers.
At the event, over $11,000 was raised for the family, which will go a long way as he continues his health journey.
"Colton, he does it so well," Audrey White said. "He's amazing. It's been tough on his little body, but he just makes it look so easy."
Colton White jumps on the bouncy house at the Colton's Crusaders fundraiser Saturday night. - Photo by Lance Brownfield of The Sentinel-Record
Spider-Man and Super Girl meet some kids while Pleasantly Blue plays music in the background. - Photo by Lance Brownfield of The Sentinel-Record