Candles For Fitz
Outpouring Of Support From Hudson Street Neighbors Makes A Child’s Illness More Bearable
By Sean Janelle
For the GPHN

On Monday, Nov. 16, all Fitz wanted was chocolate milk. Fitz’s family often runs around Park Hill while Fitz rides his red pedal bike. The family rule is, you have to finish the run or bike ride to get chocolate milk. At mile three, Fitz asked to stop but still wanted chocolate milk. He was more lethargic than normal, and, despite only being 3 ½ years old, he normally finishes four miles fairly easily. His parents knew something was off and let him ride in the stroller the rest of the run, but still have some chocolate milk afterwards for his good effort.
That week, Fitz was too tired to ride his bike to preschool at Blessed Sacrament like he always loved to do. He did not have a fever and he did not have any signs of an illness, so he went to school. His teachers reported he did not want to play at recess or participate in class activities – very unusual for the highly social preschooler. One night, he sent a video to his cousin counting to 10 in French. The keen eye could notice a difference in his mannerisms, but it was forgivable to think it lethargy at most. On Wednesday that week, Fitz reluctantly went to school. He said he was tired but would miss his friends and teachers if he did not go. On Thursday, despite it being Fitz’s favorite day of school, he declared, and showed visible signs, that he could not attend class.
After a full day of escalating doctor’s appointments involving lab work, an ultrasound, and a CT scan, a diagnosis was given that no parent ever wants to hear: cancer. Fitz had a tumor mass blocking his intestine that required immediate surgery. The cancer was Burkitt’s Lymphoma – a rapidly growing but highly treatable type of lymphoma that affects fewer than 500 children in the U.S. per year. Thankfully, a leading expert in Burkitt’s and an outstanding and dedicated team at Children’s Hospital Colorado have been caring for Fitz.
During the initial shock among our family and rollercoaster of emotions we were experiencing, Fitz’s grandpa (“Papa”) had an idea: for Fitz’s friends, family, and neighbors to remember and pray for Fitz daily, he shared battery-powered candles that light up between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. each day. Many neighbors on our block at 2000 Hudson display the candle in their front window or in their home in support of Fitz.
Park Hill neighbors have shown tremendous care and support, providing meals, gifts for Fitz, encouraging messages, and the unsolicited act of shoveling our sidewalks during snowstorms. Fitz’s school held a rosary specifically for him, and his class and teachers sent him gifts, videos, activities, and an abundance of care. Our block also came together to decorate our home with Christmas lights for our family to enjoy this season, especially when Fitz is able to come home.
The eagerness to show unity, camaraderie, and support for an ill neighbor is a quintessential part of being a Park Hill resident. Without being asked, neighbors proactively and eagerly assist when there is a need. We are grateful to be a part of the best neighborhood in Denver.
Editor’s note: In mid-December, the family reported that Fitz is at home, resting after his first high dose of chemo. He’s a trooper, and while no one wants their child to have to go through this, having the support of kind and loving neighbors — as Park Hill has proven time and again — makes the situation more bearable.