Community rallies to give East Texas boy with cancer a new home
By Shannon Brinias
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HICKS, Texas (KTBS) — A community came together to support an 8-year-old East Texas boy battling a dangerous form of cancer — and their effort has made a life-changing difference.
For Easton Green, even the final few steps up to his new front door can feel heavy. But those steps led to something extraordinary: seeing his new home for the very first time. The house, along with everything inside it, was donated by people moved by his family’s situation.
“We have been working really hard to get all of this together so that when this family comes home, they can turn it into a happy haven of peace and just rest and relaxation,” said Michelle Cox of Chloe’s Journey of Faith.
Easton has been battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is expected to undergo two or more years of chemotherapy — treatment that will further strain his already compromised immune system. His family’s previous mobile home had mold and plumbing issues, making it unsafe for someone in his condition. At first, organizers thought they could rehab it but eventually settled on replacing it once contractors got a look at the scope of work needed.
“Since Easton got sick, we have had the community come out — and really, the outreach has been amazing,” said his grandmother, Krista Smith Klectka.
Organizer Michelle Cox understands the difficult road ahead, as the mother of a critically ill child, Chloe, who died at 13 and for whom the nonprofit Chloe’s Journey of Faith is named.
When the call for help went out, people from across Texarkana, the surrounding region, and even beyond stepped up.
“I was able to reach out to all of our contractors — the moving company, the skirting crew, the AC company. There were so many people involved, and they’ve all very generously donated their time,” said Taylor Bradshaw, Clayton Homes of Texarkana general manager.
Through those combined efforts, the cost of the home was significantly reduced, with donations covering all but $19,000 of the price. Now, Easton and his family can focus more on his treatment and less on financial stress.
The new home offers not just shelter, but a safer, healthier environment as Easton continues his fight.
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