KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A 10-year-old boy who has been receiving cancer treatment at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has finished his chemo treatment.
Jensen Vaught was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He participated in a tournament hosted by Gibbs Youth Sports, which organized the event specifically to raise funds for his medical care. Dozens of teams participated in the fundraising tournament.
“It’s a relief. A weight off our chest for sure,” Chris Vaught, Jensen’s father said.
Jensen’s mother, Kellie Vaught, said the family is grateful for the community support during what has been a difficult time.
“I thank God for it everyday because it’s been a rough couple of months, but we’re on the tail end of everything and that’s a huge relief,” she said.
Dozens of teams came from across the area to participate and give back to Jensen’s cause.
“This place was packed. I mean we couldn’t have even imagined that much support for Jensen and us,” he said.
A big part of the tournament was to raise money for Jensen, but another big part was Jensen was able to play in some of the games.
“We didn’t win, but it’s alright,” Jensen said.
Lucas Perry, who helped donate to Jensen’s cause, said the young boy’s courage serves as an inspiration.
“If we all would just take time and sit back and look at the courage that he has, we could all take lessons from that,” Perry said.
Jensen expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported his family during his cancer battle.
“Thank you for the opportunity to help pay all the bills and just supporting us, keeping in this fight with us,” he said.
The Vaught’s said Jensen will have to go back to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital every three months for check ups.
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