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Fundraiser to benefit Steamboat boy with brain tumor

Scott Franz
Izaac Kinnison, 10, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his brain. On Wednesday, Izaac’s classmates will help more by having their heads shaved at the Boys & Girls Club of Steamboat Springs.
Courtesy Photo





Izaac Kinnison, 10, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his brain. On Wednesday, Izaac’s classmates will help more by having their heads shaved at the Boys & Girls Club of Steamboat Springs.


— Izaac Kinnison is not alone as doctors work to cure a malignant tumor in his brain.

Since the 10-year-old boy’s diagnosis came last month during a CT scan at Yampa Valley Medical Center, his hometown supporters have sold lemonade when it’s hot outside, and coffee when it’s cold. They’ve sponsored community potlucks and solicited donations door-to-door, all to help with the Cub Scout’s medical expenses.

On Wednesday, Izaac’s classmates will help more by having their heads shaved at the Boys & Girls Club of Steamboat Springs.



“They want to make sure Izaac feels like he is still one in the crowd when his hair falls out,” family friend Susan Colfer said Sunday. “It was the kids’ idea.”

Izaac started a second round of chemotherapy last week in Denver with his loving parents and his energetic brother, Zeke, at his side.



Back at home in Steamboat Springs, many classmates, friends and businesses are continuing to raise money to help his family pay for the medical bills

“There are a lot of people pulling through for him,” Colfer said. “Of course, the level of support you see makes you very proud to be in our wonderful small town.”

For the latest fundraiser, several of Izaac’s friends and classmates are working to raise $100 each in pledges before they say goodbye to most of their hair Wednesday. Barbers from three local salons are donating their time to shave heads, and the event also will feature a BBQ and a silent auction of items and packages donated by local businesses.

Meanwhile, Izaac’s parents are monitoring how the boy is responding to chemo.

“This week we have a few hurdles to run,” his mother Lisa Kinnison wrote Sunday in an online journal at http://www.caringbridge.org. “Sodium level as always. Next are the blood count levels, these could be his immune count or ANC as well as individual counts like platelets and white blood cells. If any of these are too low it could mean being admitted again for a couple of days and/or transfusions of blood and having IV antibiotics.”

While they monitor his health, the family also is making sure to schedule in some fun time away from the hospital with trips to the Denver Zoo and a viewing of “The Arctic IMAX 3D” at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“They’re doing really well,” family friend Chris Pohlman said. “They’re really happy to see he’s not experiencing a lot of nausea.”

She added that the family is thankful for all the thoughts and prayers back home.

“I know the Kinnisons have been floored by the outpouring of generosity,” Pohlman said. “Every time they turn around, there is someone offering to do this and do that. They have tons of support.”

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210 or email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com


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