LITTLETON, Colo. -
A Littleton family is full of hope for their sick 4-year-old son. But it's time they're running short of.
And now, they're reaching out to the community for help to extend their boy's life. They're looking for a miracle for Makael.
At heart, Makael Shaw is just like any other 4 year old. But looking at a photo taken less than a year ago, you know something is wrong.
"When somebody tells you your only child is going to die. The first 4 weeks I was a mess," says Makael's father, Daniel.
The child has an inoperable brain tumor, diagnosed last October, that will slowly shutdown his body's functions. On August 12th, doctors gave him just six to 14 more weeks to live. "It does scare the heck out of me, knowing we're getting close to the time given," says Daniel.
It is precious time he saw his uncle lose--with his daughter, Shannon--who died from the same disease, Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, about 2 years ago.
"I don't want to believe it. I think I'm going to wake up and this is all a bad dream - that he's okay. But I'm fooling myself," he says.
Late Friday afternoon, he realizes he's edging closer to a nightmare that's coming true. During our interview, Makael -who is eating a burrito- starts choking. Paramedics arrive minutes later and take him to Swedish Medical Center.
His father later tells us Makael's tumor caused him to choke. He says his son's tumor is pressing against the part of the brain that controls swallowing.
"I feel helpless as a parent," says Daniel. "I pray everyday and I try not to get mad because at the end of the day, I guess I have to put it in God's hands."
Makael's medical care has cost the family $11,000 out-of-pocket in October 2008 and this year.
Daniel's high school is holding a fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at Brighton High School. The theater department will perform the play "Check, Please." Admission is $5.
Daniel also created a hip hop CD about the family's experience dealing with Makael's tumor. You can order it at miracle4makael.com.
There, you'll also find how to donate to any Wells Fargo Bank.
And now, they're reaching out to the community for help to extend their boy's life. They're looking for a miracle for Makael.
At heart, Makael Shaw is just like any other 4 year old. But looking at a photo taken less than a year ago, you know something is wrong.
"When somebody tells you your only child is going to die. The first 4 weeks I was a mess," says Makael's father, Daniel.
The child has an inoperable brain tumor, diagnosed last October, that will slowly shutdown his body's functions. On August 12th, doctors gave him just six to 14 more weeks to live. "It does scare the heck out of me, knowing we're getting close to the time given," says Daniel.
It is precious time he saw his uncle lose--with his daughter, Shannon--who died from the same disease, Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, about 2 years ago.
"I don't want to believe it. I think I'm going to wake up and this is all a bad dream - that he's okay. But I'm fooling myself," he says.
Late Friday afternoon, he realizes he's edging closer to a nightmare that's coming true. During our interview, Makael -who is eating a burrito- starts choking. Paramedics arrive minutes later and take him to Swedish Medical Center.
His father later tells us Makael's tumor caused him to choke. He says his son's tumor is pressing against the part of the brain that controls swallowing.
"I feel helpless as a parent," says Daniel. "I pray everyday and I try not to get mad because at the end of the day, I guess I have to put it in God's hands."
Makael's medical care has cost the family $11,000 out-of-pocket in October 2008 and this year.
Daniel's high school is holding a fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at Brighton High School. The theater department will perform the play "Check, Please." Admission is $5.
Daniel also created a hip hop CD about the family's experience dealing with Makael's tumor. You can order it at miracle4makael.com.
There, you'll also find how to donate to any Wells Fargo Bank.
