Family looks for support to help battle child’s illness

Friday, July 18, 2008

An all American-boy, Hunter, of Lusby, loves baseball and playing outside. Hunter does differ from other 4-year-olds in one way but, according to family, one wouldn’t know it through his smile. Hunter has had to take a break from his normal activities as he was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and endured a major brain surgery to remove the tumor. He is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment which, according to family, will last several months.

Through it all, family said that Hunter has been the loving 4-year-old he was prior to the cancer.

‘‘He is such a sweetheart,” said his great-aunt, Lori Jimney of Drum Point.

Jimney said Hunter told his mother Sandy that throwing up often was OK because he needs to get the ‘‘yucky stuff” out of his body.

‘‘It’s really an emotional rollercoaster with everything that is going on,” Jimney said.

But Hunter, according to Jimney, ‘‘has not complained once.”

Hunter’s parents, Eric and Sandy Scott, have been with Hunter through the entire experience. Eric and his youngest son Hayden even got their heads shaved at the same time Hunter did. Hunter’s stuffed friend Diego has not left his side either. According to family, Diego has the same incision marks as Hunter.

Hunter’s family has supported him through it all and while Hunter has a large caring family, Jimney said the response from residents of Calvert County has been extraordinary.

‘‘People don’t even know him,” she said of those donating to the Hunter Dean Scott Foundation via PNC bank without having ever met him.

The foundation is just one of several ways the county is reaching out to the Scott family.

On Saturday, July 19, the American Legion Post 274 in Lusby is opening its doors for a benefit event in Hunter’s name.

According to Jimney, county residents have donated the space, food, entertainment and, most importantly, their time for this event.

From 5 to 9 p.m. residents are asked to come and join family members for an evening of activities including a 50⁄50 raffle.

The cost is $20 at the door and a cash bar will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Hunter Dean Scott Foundation.

The following week, on July 26, Toby’s Barber Shop in Lexington Park will hold ‘‘Haircuts for Hunter.”

The haircuts will cost a donation and all proceeds will go to Hunter.