Thu Sep 02 2010
by Jeff Saunders
Reporter
Nordonia Hills -- Robert Purgert may be in the fight of his life against a deadly illness, but he has many in the community in his corner.
The 15-year-old Sagamore Hills resident was diagnosed with leukemia last October. Since then, about 1,700 people have signed up to be his potential bone marrow donors, said his father, Ray Purgert. He said the boy, who has lived at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital for most of the last six months, remains positive.
"He's still in remission," he said March 25, "and we're hoping he stays that way."
"He's doing exceptionally well," agreed the Rev. Michael Denk, associate pastor at St. Barnabas Church, Robert's parish.
Denk, who is in frequent contact with Robert and his family, said "nothing ever seems to get him down."
Released from the hospital March 23 after a fourth round of chemotherapy, Robert said he is feeling "good, really good."
Robert said each round has meant a four- to six-week hospital stay, with a week or two off in between. He said he looked forward to spending a few days back at St. Ignatius High School -- he's missed all but a week of classes this school year.
"I'm keeping up pretty good," he said. "I'm a few weeks behind, but I think I'll finish up and go on to my sophomore year."
Jill Purgert said Robert's teachers have been "phenomenal," even videotaping classes for him.
"They really try to make him feel like part of the class," she said. "Teachers will talk to the camera and say things like 'What do you think, Robert?'"
Despite the outpouring of potential donors, Ray said, the search continues for a bone marrow match.
"The bone marrow is really his only option if he comes out of remission, because it means the chemo is not working," said Ray.
Robert's illness was diagnosed after catching a seemingly harmless cold in mid-September. He went in for some blood tests in early October.
"We got a call from the doctor within a few hours saying, 'You need to get him to Rainbow right away,'" said Ray.
A diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia was confirmed at the hospital.
"It was a shock thing. Talk about your life-changing situations," he said.
The Purgerts have been amazed at the support they've received from family, friends and the parish.
Denk said 800 parish members showed up on short notice for a prayer service after the leukemia was diagnosed.
About 1,000 signed up to donate marrow.
And on March 19 the St. Barnabas School drama club, of which Robert is a member, hosted a raffle and play fundraiser for the family.
Jill said some of Robert's friends, including Denk, even shaved their heads to support Robert, who lost his hair during treatments.
"It's just a way for me to keep him in prayer," Denk said. "I think of him non-stop because my head is shaved ... And I think he got a kick out of it."
Robert said his diagnosis hit him hard, but he is doing well now.
"I was prettymuch overwhelmed. I never saw it coming," said Robert. "But everyone around me was just so supportive and from then on, I never doubted I would beat this."
E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169
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