COLUMBUS -- Collin Henderson, 20 months old, the son of Dean and Nicole (Maslonka) Henderson, of Columbus, was diagnosed in September with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).
Collin has three brothers -- Devin, 6, Ben, 4, and his identical twin brother, Kyle.
LCH is a rare disease that attacks the immune system and can affect the organs, bones and blood. The disease is treated as cancer and is in the same family as leukemia and lymphoma.
A benefit to help with medical and travel expenses will be held beginning with dinner from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the Eagles Home, 3205 12th St.
The benefit also will feature a live auction at 8:30 p.m., along with a silent auction, raffle drawing, bake sale and kids corner.
A DJ will provide music throughout the evening.
Raffle prizes include a 32-inch flat screen TV, a GPS system, a digital camera, a pearl necklace, a handcrafted sofa table, an i-Pod Shuffle and other items.
Collin Henderson was hospitalized in Omaha early in September when a surgical port was placed in his chest for use in administering chemotherapy. He has since begun a more aggressive form of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital.
Nicole Henderson wrote in a recent e-mail that her son’s symptoms began when he was about three months old with a diaper rash, ear drainage and cradle cap that would not heal.
She said he was treated with a variety of prescriptions and 16 doctor visits over a course of 14 months.
“We had taken him to five different pediatricians,” Nicole Henderson wrote. “ The third dermatologist said this was not diaper rash or cradle cap, and that a skin biopsy was necessary.”
She said that biopsy resulted in Collin’s diagnosis.
“In Collin, the disease has compromised his immune system, making it hard for him to fight off illnesses' and infections,” she said. “It has affected his blood and liver functions; enlarged his liver and spleen, his gastrointestinal system, some digestive processes, and it has ‘eaten’ four holes in his skull. He has been through a lot, and has more to come.”
Henderson said information she has reveals that the cause of Langerhans cell histiocytosis is not entirely understood. She said researchers are studying viral infections or environmental factors that could lead to the disorder.
Donations can be made in care of the Collin Henderson Benefit Fund at Pinnacle Bank or sent to PO Box 1585, Columbus NE 68601 or to either Mindy Sindelar, 2437 33rd St., Columbus or Meri Maslonka, 824 Becton St., Columbus.
Print This Story
Email This Story
