Bikers Who Care Help Child Cancer Victim

Cancer fighter enjoys 'super' day

By TAVIA D. GREEN
The Leaf-Chronicle

Fourteen-year-old Jesse Knowles gathered with friends at the Cumberland Room on Feb. 2. A gentle smile crept across his face, and laughter rang out.

The Super Bowl fun was about to begin, with plenty of rooting and cheering — and a special delivery by Hooters waitresses. It was a night to celebrate family and friendship — and, most importantly, Jesse's life.

Last week, Jesse learned he had cancer. What the football player at Montgomery Central High School thought might have been a concussion turned out to be aggressive brain cancer, said Jesse's mother, Celeste Lane. Next week, Jesse will undergo intense radiation treatments.

On Feb. 2, friends and family held an auction fundraiser and Super Bowl party to raise money for medical bills and other costs.

Lane said since Jesse has heard the diagnosis he's been nothing but positive for everyone.

Jesse described when he heard about the tumor: "I saw my mom break down, and I knew it wasn't just a bump. I don't believe in numbers. I believe I have to 'keep trucking.' I'm not going to let anything stop me, and everybody and God gives me the strength to do so."

Stephanie Brunson said Jesse's attitude has touched and inspired those around him as they gather to help.

"He's the kind of guy people are drawn to," Brunson said. "He's been everyone's strength and inspiration. There's sort of a boldness about him that comes from his spiritual experience. ... He's very courageous. He's been an incredible kid through this."

Clinton Mackens, a close friend and teammate, looked at Jesse, and with a smile said, "He's the toughest little guy you'll find anywhere."

Lane said Jesse's strength has bolstered his family.

"The strength he's given us, his faith, his trust in God, it's there," Lane said. "He believes, and he's ready to get it going so he can fight this."

Everyone is helping

Since Jesse was diagnosed, friends and even strangers have raised money to help him. They've set up a chili supper, sweetheart dinner, dog-wash fundraiser and raffles for February, as well as a bank account.

Bikers Who Care, a motorcycle organization geared to helping children with special needs, has taken on a project for Jesse, which he is especially thankful for.

Mike Welborn, a member of Bikers Who Care, said the organization is hiring contractors to convert the family's garage into a room for Jesse.

"It's about the kids," Welborn said. "He's going to need a bigger area for a bed and to have his own little space."

Welborn said the project begins this week, and Bikers Who Care will try to have it finished as quickly as possible.

Someone also donated a memory foam mattress so Jesse's body won't bruise while he's healing from treatments.

And many have been praying for the family, Lane said.

"We need all the prayers for God's hand to be open for him," Lane said. "We want to thank all the family, friends and community for their thoughts and prayers."

Fighting through

Jesse's family — his stepfather Steve Lane; three younger siblings, Austin, 10, Kaleb, 6 an Karlee, 3 months old; and grandma Joyce Castle, who traveled from Florida — are helping him each step of the way, Lane said.

"I want him to know he's greatly loved by his mom and his whole family," Lane said.

"He's loved by the whole community, and we're all behind him. He's going to make it and do great things."

Jesse said the doctors have told him what to expect, including losing his blond hair and being tired, but he said his hair will grow back, and he will be back in school by his sophomore year.

"I ain't giving up," Jesse said. "I'm going to fight it to the end."