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WILMINGTON -- Travis and Kathy Robinson thought their son had defeated the cancer in his brain, but when 12-year-old Brendan began to suffer major migraines in May, their worst fears were realized.
Shortly after Memorial Day, a CT Scan showed Brendan had three additional tumors and his survival rate isn't high.
"The outcome is grim," Travis said. "But that doesn't mean we're gonna give up."
Although the Robinsons moved to Colorado after Travis joined the Army, the community where he and Kathy grew up has rallied together and is hosting a bowling fundraiser tonight from 5 to 9 p.m., at North Star Bowl.
Brendan's grandmother, Mary Towne, who serves as Wilmington Selectboard's assistant, said she's overwhelmed by the love and support of her neighbors.
"It's amazing that local people still remember and care about them even though they've been out in Colorado for the past couple of years," Towne said. "He's a very sick boy and they can certainly use the help. I really appreciate this community."
Brendan, who will turn 13 next month, was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma at the age of four and received treatment until last year when doctors gave him a clean bill of health.
Now he and his mom have to drive 85 miles each way from Colorado Springs where they live, to Denver General Hospital for Brendan to get treatment.
Travis said he wants to drive his son to and from his sessions but is unable to because
"We were driving down the road when we were ambushed," the former staff sergeant medic said. "I was in the back of the truck and as we tried to evade the enemy the truck dipped into a ditch and I was thrown from the back and landed on my head."
He was medically retired from the Army, but because of his disability he can't work nor look after their four children without Kathy's help.
It doesn't make sense for Kathy to work either because any money she would earn would have to go to day-care costs, he said.
So instead they band together and lean on one another and hope.
"We try to do as much stuff as a family as possible," Travis said. "But we're also heartbroken and devastated to see Brendan hurting like this."
Recently Brendan joined the Boy Scout's Troop #138 Pikes Peak Council with Travis as one of the Scoutmasters.
His fellow scouts have also pulled together to hold garage sales and other various fundraisers to help the Robinson family financially.
In Wilmington, Nicole and Jeremy Crafts, high school friends of Travis and Kathy, will host bowling, mini golf, raffles and, weather permitting, a bouncy house, with all of the proceeds except food and beverages being donated to the Robinson family.
Organizers are asking for a minimum $10 donation.
"I don't see how anyone can do this without the support we're getting," Travis said. "It's a life saver, it really is."
Josh Stilts can be reached at jstilts@reformer.com, or 802-254-2311 ext. 273.
