
Team Dawson!
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Christine and I’m fundraising for my amazing nephew and his family. A couple days ago we were told that Dawson, our 8 year nephew was diagnosed with bone cancer called osteosarcoma. With them being a one income family, we’re setting up a gofundme account to help with the upcoming medical bills, days off of work, travel expenses and anything in between for him and his family.
THE BEGINNING
2 weeks ago Dawson was playing outside and the family dog Nova ran into his leg. He was in such an enormous amount of pain that Greg, his dad, had to carry him inside. He laid on the couch for 10 minutes and then was able to walk again. After this he began to limp and they thought maybe he has pulled a muscle.
That night Dawson had a sleepover at his aunt Kim’s house. The next day Kim called Whitney saying Dawson was in so much pain that he was screaming on the ground and couldn't get up because his abdomen hurt. Greg and Whitney picked him up and brought him to the ER. At the ER they learned that his ALP was extremely high and were asked if he broke a bone recently. Whitney said no but she did tell the Dr. that she thought he pulled a muscle in his leg. The Dr. said that ALP can be high for many different reasons and they were to follow up with his pediatrician. The Dr. said there was a lot of inflammation in his abdomen and also they found some fluid outside of his right kidney. About a week later the family went to a waterpark and Dawson ran into Greg’s cooler and he experienced this pain again, but this time much worse. Dawson had to lay down for a lot longer and this time the pain continued throughout the day.
On March 19th, 2024 Whitney got a call from the school that Dawson needed to be picked up due to an injury resulting in him not being able to walk. Dawson said this was the worst amount of pain he has ever felt. Whitney brought him to urgent care because she thought he may have broke a bone. They waiting for hours on the results of the xray performed and when the nurse finally came in she was accompanied by 2 Drs. Whitney was a little confused but she waited eagerly for Dawson’s diagnosis. The Drs. told her that Dawson hadn’t broken anything, but what they found was actually much worse. They informed her that Dawson has a malignant sarcoma in his right femur. They couldn’t tell if it was metastasizing or not. Whitney was confused how they came to this diagnosis but they informed her that they spoke with professionals at Children’s and this was the most likely conclusion.
BEING DIAGNOSED
On March 22, Dawson and Whitney made the trip to Childrens for an MRI and CT scan. There, he saw his first oncologist, she showed them his xray and pointed out all the areas that were affected by the sarcoma. Whitney asked her if there was a chance it wasn't cancer and the Dr. stated that, “honestly is the best policy and that there was a slim chance that it is not cancer.”
On March 23, the oncologist told them that the cancer had not spread anywhere else but they did find a few enlarged lymph nodes in his chest that would continue to be monitored.
Dawson had a biopsy where the preliminary microscopic analysis indicated Osteosarcoma a cancer of the bone. They find out the stage of his cancer and he will start treatment in 7-10 days. The doctors have stated multiple times, “We are here to save his life and not his leg.”
DAWSON
Dawson is such a light in this world! He normally has so much happiness and energy to play, learn in school and just be a kid! These days Dawson is having a hard time adjusting to his new normal of being in a wheelchair and non weight baring on his leg. The night times are the hardest for him, as that’s when he tends to be in the most pain. He is still finding ways to be a funny, goofy, joyful boy!
THE REQUEST
Greg and Whitney are amazing parents that have raised three beautiful kids. All this can be a huge and unfortunate burden on a family. Having kids myself, this is the worse news a family can receive. I am reaching out to the community, friends and anyone willing to help my family during these time. Thank you for taking the time to read about Dawson. Please consider donating and say a few extra prayers for him and his family!
Organizer and beneficiary
Christine Jobe
Organizer
Delano, MN

Greg Semolina
Beneficiary