Sources |
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 11 May 2010.
Benefit planned Friday, May 14, for young cancer patient
A. J. Seaton, 20, continues his fight against Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma as a patient at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. A benefit Friday night at Smoky
Mountain Elementary School will raise money to help with the large medical expenses he is facing.
Author: Duay O'Neil
COSBY-A benefit Friday, May 14, at Smoky Mountain Elementary School will help raise money for A. J. Seaton, a 20-year-old young man whose fight against cancer continues.
Seaton is the son of Eugene "Tank" Seaton and the former Vicki Shults Seaton of Sevierville. A. J. has many Cocke County connections, including his parents Delmar Shults of Parrottsville and Ruth Ramsey of Cosby.
He is also the grandson of Bill Seaton of Sevierville and the late Eugenia (Jean) Bell Seaton of Cosby and is the great-grandson of ReVel Bell of Cosby.
Seaton's fight against cancer is now in its second year.
A recent graduate of Sevier County High School, A. J. became ill the night of his wedding reception in August of 2008.
He had just married Crystal Lynn, a co-worker at Kroger, been accepted into the company's management training program, and moved into the couple's first home.
However, the vomiting and indigestion he experience continued for days.
At first he didn't think too much about it, attributing his sickness to some sort of stomach bug or flu.
When he did seek medical help, the first doctor agreed that it was probably some sort of flu. However, when the symptoms continued, A. J. sought a second opinion. A blood test revealed a dangerously high white blood cell count.
Further tests at UT Medical Center revealed an enlarged lymph node. A biopsy showed A. J. to have Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Even then, A. J. and his family weren't overly alarmed. "His doctor said, 'If you have to have cancer, this is the one to get,'" says his great-aunt Jan Bell Caughron, one of the organizers of Friday's benefit, "because it has one of the highest survival rates of any cancer."
However, as time passed, A. J.'s condition worsened. He has undergone chemotherapy and a painful stem-cell implant.
A Vanderbilt doctor told the family that A. J.'s situation is "just a little different."
Initially A. J. was able to return to work following his treatments, but as his health deteriorated, he was forced to leave his job.
Just as the chemo was ending," said Caughron, "the doctors were optimistic that things were going well. Then a scan showed the tumor was growing, which led to more chemo."
That round of chemo made A. J. sicker than he had ever been and affected his blood pressure, kidneys, and blood sugar.
At first A. J. declined to seek disability. After all, he had never had to have such help before. But when the medical bills skyrocketed and his ability to work disappeared, he applied for disability and was denied.
He has since reapplied and been accepted for disability.
More chemo has followed and the stem-cell implant.
An only child, A. J. entered M. D. Anderson Canter Center on May 3, where he is receiving an experimental treatment of two cancer drugs.
"Each of the drugs has been successful in the past," said Caughron, "but they have not been used together until now.
He will remain in Houston for a month. If all goes well, he'll come home to Tennessee and then return to Texas periodically. His wife Crystal has taken a month's leave of absence from her job to be with him in Houston.
"We are praying for a miracle," said Caughron. "A. J. is a wonderful young man and a devout Christian. He continues to quote Jeremiah 29:11 as one of his favorite Bible verses."
Caughron's sisters Betty Jo Bell Ford and Ginger Sue Bell Cantrell and their brother Tommy Bell have joined together in planning what they term a "Bell Family Benefit" for their nephew.
"We'll have barbeque, Bluegrass, and more," said Caughron.
The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with an auction following at 7:00 p.m. Barbeque pork sandwich meals will be $5 and will include dessert and drink. Take-outs will be available starting at 5:00 p.m.
"All donations of food or auction items will be greatly appreciated," said Caughron.
For more information, call Caughron (423) 625-5189 or Ford (423) 608-3162.
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 30 Jun 2010.
Alex James ''A.J.'' Seaton
May 30, 1989 - June 30, 2010
Birthplace: Sevierville, Tennessee
Resided In: Sevierville, Tennessee USA
Visitation: July 05, 2010
Service: July 05, 2010
Cemetery: Proffitt Cemetery
Alex James “A.J.” Seaton, age 21, of Sevierville, lost his battle with cancer and went to be with Jesus Wednesday, June 30, 2010. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jean Seaton, grandfather, James B. Huskey, and aunt, Billie Dix, grandfather, Chester Bell, great aunt Lois Ogle.
Survivors:
Wife: Crystal
Parents: Tank and Vicky Seaton
Extended brothers and sisters that he loved dearly: Ricky,Pamela, Amber, and Stefni
Grandparents: Andy Seaton and wife Mary, Ruth Ramsey, Delmar Shults and wife Hilda
Great Grandma: Flora Huskey and ReVel Bell
Aunts and Uncles: Angela Douglas, Chad Seaton, Vivian Shults and Charles Shults
Great Aunts and Uncles: Kirby Dix, Jan Caughron & Jerry, Betty Jo & Dan Ford, Ginger Sue Cantrell, Tommy and Joyce Bell, Bob and Ann Seaton
Special friends: Valarie Pope and Brandon Jeffers
Many cousins and friends that were loved very much
The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM Monday with a service to follow at 2 PM in the West chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Burkett and Bro. Jimmy Thomason officiating. Interment will follow in Proffitt Cemetery. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)
- [S147] Find a Grave, (Memorial: 54603689).
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
SEATON, CECIL EUGENE SHULTS, VICKY GAIL 1984-02-18
|