RUMFORD – Until last fall, 6-year-old Logan Hamner was just like any other young boy. The Virginia Elementary School transitional first-grader ran and played, just like his friends.
But then, his leg became sore for no apparent reason.
“We couldn’t pinpoint the pain,” said his father, Patrick Hamner.
He was taken to Rumford Hospital, then to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he was diagnosed with a rare strain of leukemia, a disease that required a bone marrow transplant.
“It came on quick and we caught it early,” said Hamner.
Logan had that transplant about three weeks ago.
“He’s doing great, he’s feeling good,” said his father.
If all goes well, Hamner said his son should be home with the family in Rumford in early March.
Logan’s mother, Shannon, is staying at the Ronald McDonald House located just outside Boston Children’s Hospital. Hamner’s sister, Carolyn Perry, has often stayed with Logan’s mother.
Hamner, a self-employed carpenter who also works in security at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, travels to Boston once a week to see his son.
Logan’s little sister, Kennedy, age 3, has been staying with her grandparents in Virginia. She’s expected home by the end of this week.
Traveling has been difficult and expensive for the family. And it won’t end once Logan comes home.
Hamner said his son will have to travel to the Boston hospital once a week for the next three to five years for tests that will monitor any recurrence of the cancer or any other problems.
He will also require weekly nursing care once he returns home.
Family and friends have rallied around the Hamners during the past six weeks. Buckets placed in Rumford and Mexico businesses seeking donations have collected travel money for the family, and an account has been set up at the Rumford and Mexico branches of Franklin Savings Bank to accept donations for the Logan Hamner Leukemia Fund.
Friends and family are also holding a benefit on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Rumford Eagles Club. From 7 to 8 p.m., a Chinese auction will be held, followed by dancing to live classic and modern rock music and recorded music from 8 p.m. until midnight. A $10 donation will be accepted at the door.
Those who won’t be attending the benefit but who wish to donate may also send contributions to one of the local Franklin Savings Bank branches.
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