COLORADO SPRINGS — A 13-month-old Falcon boy is now in the fight of his life.
Little Liam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer.
On Saturday, News 5 spoke with Liam's parents during a community fundraiser. The fundraiser was held at The Block Bar & Grill. Not only was it the bar's grand opening, but it was also a chance to lend a hand to Liam's family during this difficult and uncertain time in their lives.
Liam's mom, Marci, said, "Just earth-shattering. It's crazy how your life changes in just a matter of time."
It was just a few days before Christmas when Marci and Larry, Liam's parents, got the devastating news that their son was very sick.
Larry said, "It was almost hard for us to celebrate because we found this out."
Marci said, "His tumor is three inches tall by two inches wide and fairly thick...it's causing him to not be able to keep solid foods down. It's kind of pushing on his bile ducts...it's moved his intestines to the other side of his body."
Physical challenges for Liam and for the entire family - emotional and financial ones.
Marci said, "Financially it's definitely going to be a struggle for us as I'm going to have to be at home to help him throughout this journey."
But in this time of uncertainty, they've got a community rooting for them and lending a hand. Co-owners at The Block Bar & Grill heard about Liam's story.
Co-owner Benjamin Pate said it was "heartbreaking...and it kind of made it a little bit sadder that we actually know the people."
It's why the business decided to hold a fundraiser for Liam.
Co-owner Derek Sunde said they "started getting donations from around."
Area businesses stepped up and offered different items for a raffle with all the proceeds going to help Liam.
Marci said, "I will just say I am so amazed at all the support we've had from this community...I'm really not positive of what the future holds. We're just kind of taking it day by day."
As for Liam, Larry said, "To this day he's still a happy little boy, still has no idea that he has a softball-sized tumor in his abdomen."
Liam's parents shared that the family should find out this coming week the results of some tests that will determine what stage of cancer he has. After that he'll start treatments.
