SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. -
A Bedford County school is continuing to rally around a student who has decided not to undergo cancer treatments any longer.
In support of 12-year-old Alex Rodriguez, Harris Middle School is selling blue ribbons for 50 cents.
"I'm really glad to know that they want to support me and are in this with me," said Alex.
Alex is both a shy teenager and a grown up with the maturity to handle a daunting cancer diagnosis many well beyond his years would struggle with.
"No matter what he's been through, he's always smiling and got those dimples showing, always," Alex's grandmother Carolyn Camacho said.
Alex's journey began with a terrible backache when he was just seven years old.
"They found out that night when he was seven what was going on," Carolyn said.
Doctors told Alex he had rhabdomysarcoma.
It's not a word that should be in anyone's vocabulary, let alone a school age boy's.
"He's very strong," said big sister Kimberly Leverette.
The 21-year-old told Nashville's News 2 her brother has taken the diagnosis better than most of their family and that Alex has been through a lot.
He has endured radiation, chemotherapy and a back surgery that forced him to learn how to walk again.
The cancer even went away for awhile, but the cruel disease eventually returned.
"There are times we break down and he doesn't," Kimberly said.
Cancer hasn't allowed Alex many choices, but a few weeks ago, he decided to make one.
He made the decision to stay home and be near family and friends instead of continuing treatment in Texas.
To help Alex experience some of those carefree childhood years he missed out on, his family at Harris Middle School is selling ribbons in his favorite color.
Principal, Dr. Tracy Lampley said, "It must be an incredibly difficult thing to think about as a 12-year-old, I have a certain amount of time left, so what would the things be I've always wanted to do?"
Carolyn has worked at Harris Middle School for four years, so Dr. Lampley said as soon as the idea of the blue ribbons was brought up, the school jumped on the opportunity to help.
"Just giving him every opportunity to enjoy, enjoy every moment," said Dr. Lampley.
For Alex, those moments might include a trip to Gatlinburg or a trip to see the Coca Cola museum in Atlanta, but it might also be just more time to spend at home with his family.
For Carolyn, it's those moments that can't be bought, "Getting to see him every day and being with him, hold him and hug him."
Carolyn said she is preparing to have hospice care for Alex set up in her home.
All of the money raised by the blue ribbon sales and other donations will go toward Alex's care.
The blue ribbons will be available in the Harris Middle School office this week.
An account has been set up for Alex at the following bank :
Peoples Bank of Bedford County
1122 North Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160
(931) 684-7222
Edgemont Baptist Church in Shelbyville is also collecting donations.
You can contact Jeffrey McGee at (931) 703-2098.
