Following are excerpts from the book that has been written and currently seeking publication about the life of Jimmy Dykes. Contact Vicky Dykes for more information. The book is a secondary goal of the J.D.M.S.F. The cost of publishing 4,000 copies would be approximately $12,000. Each book would then sell for approximately $10 which 100% of that amount would in turn go back to the J.D.M.S.F.

Hangin' Onto Jimmy

PROLOGUE

This is a true story. It is a story of a young boy who would slay his dragon not once but four times in 14 short years. Jimmy's story is one of hope, love, courage and enduring strength. During the last 14 years, I have written this book many times. In fact, I started the first chapter in 1983, a time of hope and a future that seemed bright. Since 1978, I have read many books about children dying of cancer and I wanted Jimmy's story to be different. Jimmy's story had to be one of victory. It had to be one to help people and to let them know that you must never give up hope nor stop searching or questioning. Seek until you find the answers.

The basic approaches in the treatment of cancer have not changed during the last fifty years. Fifty years ago, cancer was treated with radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Today, if you are diagnosed with cancer you will be offered these same options to "cure your cancer." Statistics have shown that remissions are being achieved but the ultimate goal of a cure is not. Most of the statistics are based on the five-year survival rate. What happens to patients after the five years? If we are truly close to curing and understanding this dread disease, why do we have nothing new to offer? What science has done is vary the treatment by combining radiation and surgery or chemotherapy and surgery and/or just different combinations of drugs.

During the last 15 years, a vaccine for feline leukemia has been discovered but a vaccine for human leukemia has not and will not be forthcoming. If you learn nothing else from this story, question why scientists have not defeated this killer of the young, old, rich and poor.

The primary reason for Jimmy's story is that during his battle of 14 years he never lost his faith in his heavenly father. Numerous times during his ordeal, I myself questioned why him God? If Jimmy had wondered about why it had been him, he never voiced it or asked why. Hopefully, Jimmy's story will show everyone who reads it, one small soul's unfailing faith.