Family supporting child with cancer

A family is staying strong for their son and brother since he’s been in and out of the hospital for the past few years.

9-year-old Adyn Pickett was diagnosed with cancer at just four years old. Adyn’s family says that while this journey has been tough, they will always support him in his fight.

It’s hard to tell that Adyn Pickett has been fighting for his life after seeing his smile. While other kids his age were outside playing, he had tubes coming out of his body and was in a hospital bed.

James Pickett is Adyn’s dad. “You know the biggest thing with Adyn and other kids like Adyn, is you know it’s not something that just happens overnight,” he said.

For nearly five years, James has watched his son going through the unimaginable. That includes seven relapses, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and, within the last few weeks, seizures. “Five years is a long time, but this last three weeks is probably been some of the hardest of those five years,” said James.

Painful experiences that no one should have to go through but especially, a 9-year-old. “Month after month, and year after year, and what we really want everyone to realize is that you know kids like Ayden… they miss out on opportunities. The other kids, you know, I hate to say it, normal… but normal kids get to do,” James said.

James told WINK News that his son played T-ball for the Cape Coral Ripken Youth Baseball prior to his diagnosis. “That’s all they want is to just play ball,” he said.

That’s what Adyn wanted to do however, he never got the chance. But, instead of running the bases, he went through several bone marrow transplants. One of those was donated by his younger sister, Abby. “It’s scary to see Adyn go through all of this. And I get sad a lot since he gets one and like I can’t see Adyn,” Abby said.

Adyn’s journey has been heartbreaking for his family to witness and experience but they want everyone to know, they will always support him in the fight for his life.

“I love you and you’re the best brother I could ever have,” said Abby.

James has a bit of advice for parents. “You know, the biggest thing that I would say is hug your kids at night. Yes… they can be trying. They can cause trouble, but cherish every moment that you have with them and that you get with them,” he said.

Cape Coral Ripken Youth Baseball wanted to honor Adyn so this was posted on Facebook. The organization is dedicating one of its leagues as the Adyn Pikett League. The travel team gets to represent Adyn at all their future games and matches.