Once again the Odessa community comes together to support a local resident in need -- this time it's a bright-eyed 3-year-old boy named Trevor Tredaway.
For roughly two weeks, donations from the public have been pouring in daily at the Southwest Heritage Credit Union on University for Trevor, a receptionist at the bank said.
Trevor was diagnosed this past January with astrocytoma, a cancerous brain tumor. After spending February, March and April enduring chemotherapy, Trevor's tumor spread to his spine leaving two more tumors.
In addition to the tumors, Trevor has seizures.
The chemo was hard on Trevor's little body so the parents opted for another treatment. Trevor now receives alternative cancer treatments at Envita Medical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Trevor takes an all-natural substance called Poly-MVA intravenously now, but he will soon start taking the pill form so he can return home to be with his family.
"This is our fifth week in Scottsdale," Melinda Tredaway, Trevor's mother, said Wednesday. Todd Tredaway, Trevor's father, is in Midland working.
According to the official Poly-MVA website, the medicine "is a uniquely formulated combination of minerals, vitamins and amino acids designed to support cellular energy production ... [it] also replaces nutrients that may be depleted during certain therapies."
A CAT scan recently revealed that the tumor had calcified -- four more weeks of treatment are the doctor's orders, said Linda Martin, a relative of Trevor's. That treatment will be the pills he takes at home.
"This has been totally life-changing," Melinda Tredaway said. She had to resign from her teaching position, move to Scottsdale, figure out the best treatment for Trevor and raise her 1-year-old daughter, Morgan.
At $8,000 a week, not including expenses accrued staying in Scottsdale, the Tredaway's need financial assistance.
A fund-raiser organized by Trevor's family is scheduled tonight at The Hog Pit and all proceeds will go toward Trevor's treatment. And look out for the team roping fund-raising event Aug. 2-3 at the West Texas Horse Center at Interstate 20 and Moss Road in West Odessa.
"I want to thank everyone for their support and prayers," Melinda Tredaway said. She said it's mind boggling how much support the community has shown.
Trevor and his mother will be returning home just in time for Friday's event. They'll still have to return once a month to Scottsdale for checkups.
IF YOU GO
--What: Fund-raiser for Trevor Tredaway.
--When: 7 p.m. Friday.
--Where: The Hog Pit, 7400 W. County Road 116 (near Midland International Airport).
--On tap: There will be live music, brisket plates, door prizes, raffle items and more. Admission fee is $20 per person. All proceeds go toward Trevor's cause.
--How to help: Account No. 504412 has been set up at Southwest Heritage Credit Union, 930 W. University Blvd. To see more of the Odessa American, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.oaoa.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Odessa American, Texas Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2008 Odessa American, Texas