By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

AUBURN, Ill. — People in small towns and rural communities are known for helping others in time of need. The small town of Auburn and surrounding communities are conducting a variety of events to assist the Bailey family as they face the fight of their lives.

Dave Farris, senior project manager for Sutton’s in Springfield, Ill., and the head girls’ basketball coach in Auburn, said, “Christy (Codron) Bailey and her husband, Todd, were given the unfortunate news that their 21-month-old-son Ryken has AT/RT, which is Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor – a rare, high-grade tumor that is common in children younger than two years.

“It can be found anywhere in the brain, is highly aggressive and frequently spreads through the central nervous system. This is diagnosed in only about three children in 1 million, making it extremely rare. Treatment usually consists of an operation followed by chemotherapy and radiation – a long and unending process.”

Christy Codron played for one Farris’ first junior high teams and today, both are still in the Auburn area, teaching and running a construction company, respectively.

Farris is donating his coaching salary to Ryken’s treatment, and the Auburn community is joining in to have people say daily prayers for Ryken and reaching out to people everywhere for donations in any amount.

Besides donations, a fan club called Ryken’s Raiders has been created, and t-shirts are for sale for $10 plus shipping. If interested in a T-shirt or making a donation, contact Farris at 217-438-3017 or e-mail him at dfbldit@yahoo.com

Keep up with Ryken at www.caring bridge.org by typing in “rykenbailey.” Any donations should be sent with checks payable to: United Community Bank, 200 North 5th St., P.O. Box 80, Auburn, IL 62615.

“Remember – a penny is like a stone; put enough together and you can build an empire,” Farris said.