INKOM — Jordan Wilson vividly remembers walking toward the operating room at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, with his ailing 10-month-old son Brody in his arms.
Doctors had recently found a cancerous Wilms tumor growing out of Brody’s left kidney, a diagnosis that sent Jordan and Brody’s mom Kimber into shock.
According to the American Cancer Society, a Wilms tumor is the most common childhood cancers that begin in the kidneys. However, it is still incredibly rare, with approximately seven cases per 1 million children.
Just days after the devastating diagnosis, Jordan and Kimber, who live in McCammon, traveled to the Utah hospital so the doctors could remove both the tumor and Brody’s cancerous kidney. As Jordan handed his young son over to the doctors to prep for the surgery, the gravity of the whole situation struck him.
“It felt like my whole world changed, to hand over my son, who I had worked so hard for,” he said as he struggled to hold back tears.
For four and a half agonizing hours, Jordan, Kimber and multiple family members waited at the hospital for word on the outcome of Brody’s surgery.
“It was the slowest time of my life,” Jordan said. “Time just stood still.”
Then, the doctor emerged. He had good news. The surgery was a success and there were no complications.
However, Brody was not out of danger just yet.
For the next 28 weeks, the family had to make regular visits to Salt Lake City so Brody could get chemotherapy and blood work done. During some months, they had to make the long trip every week.
Because chemotherapy can shrink the tendons, particularly on young children like Brody, there was a concern that the boy would not be able to learn to walk until after the treatment was completed.
Now, the 20-month-old Brody is not only cancer-free, but he is walking around like a normal toddler, happily bouncing around and raising hell at his parents’ McCammon home. The only physical sign of his brush with cancer is a missing kidney and a 10-inch incision scar on his abdomen.
“He beat the odds,” Jordan said.
Despite the victory, the medical bills for Brody’s treatment have crippled the Wilsons’ finances. Kimber has taken a sabbatical from her job to help Brody recover at home.
Jordan routinely works 70 to 80 hours a week at his job at Pebble Creek Ski Area in Inkom, oftentimes without any days off, to help cover the family’s medical bills and finances.
Jordan has worked at the resort for the past six years, and he is currently employed as the lodge manager and mechanic.
According to Jordan, the total amount of the medical bills before health insurance kicked in was approximately $420,000. But with deductibles and coinsurance, the Wilsons still owe a hefty sum of money.
“We see those bills come in, and our hearts sink,” Jordan said.
To help the Wilsons pay these medical bills, Pebble Creek will be hosting a fundraiser next week. Called Brody’s Snow Ball and Torchlight Parade, the event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.
Attendees to Brody’s Snow Ball, which will include music and dancing, are encouraged to dress up or wear a costume. During the ball, attendees will also have a chance to bid on various silent auction items, including gift certificates, clothing and ski equipment.
The Torchlight Parade will be visible from the lodge deck and will wind down from the Sunshine lift. Participants in the parade must be at least 18 years old and be an expert skier or snowboarder. The suggested donation to participate in the parade is $50.
There is no charge for the Snow Ball or watching the Torchlight Parade.
The last time Pebble Creek held a torchlight parade was in 2009 in celebration of the resort’s 60th anniversary. Mary Reichman, Pebble Creek’s general manager, said if the weather is clear enough, the torchlights can be seen as far away as south Pocatello.
This will also be the last night for night skiing in the Aspen area this season. Night skiing tickets are $18, with discount tickets for $9 available at Barrie’s Ski and Sports. Food service, the bar and the rental shop will be open.
Donations can also be made to a GoFundMe site that has been set up. As of Thursday night, almost $2,000 has been donated. The fundraising goal is $6,000.
The GoFundMe site can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/2kxfu438.
Called ‘Brody’s Brave Battle,’ Kimber provided a detailed update on the GoFundMe site regarding the long hours Jordan puts in at work to support his family.
“Brody’s Daddy is not recognized enough for all the sacrifices he makes for us…,” the post reads. “I am humbled every day by this hard working man. Never a complaint is muttered, never a harsh word is said… Just love and devotion…”
Accompanied on the site with the poem, “In My Daddy’s Shoes,” is a photo of Brody wearing his dad’s giant work boots.
