AMID LIFE’S ordinary routines, a sudden cancer diagnosis can turn everything upside down. For The Bachman family, this reality hit hard when their 9-year-old son, Liam, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
“He turned 9, and then a week later, we found out,” James Bachman, Liam’s father, said. “On my birthday, actually.”
Liam began complaining of leg pain, which became swollen and more painful in mid-May. So they took him to his pediatrician, where a pediatric orthopedic surgeon later confirmed that Liam had osteosarcoma of the right femur.
Liam has endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy, medications, and surgeries. Remarkably, he has tackled this challenging journey with an unwaveringly positive attitude. James remarked, “It’s been tough, but we’ve received immense support from our family community.”
Throughout this battle, the family has leaned on each other and their unbreakable bond.
Liam’s siblings, parents, grandparents, and extended family stood strong together, supporting one another through the difficult times. They recognized the importance of family and counted their blessings.
In their darkest hour, this family also found hope in their community. Friends, neighbors, and local businesses rallied together to offer their unwavering support. Fundraisers, donations, and even personal connections with neighbors showcased the power of community unity.
James Bachman is a single dad with custody of four young children, ages 9 to 14.
“I am not going to knock on doors and ask for help,” James said. “But I didn’t have to because the community has come together on their own.”
Liam’s reading teacher, Miss Schmitzt, initiated a cascade of community support and hometown healing, including a GoFundMe page. Liam received an outpouring of cards and gifts from the Hendersonville community and beyond. The First Baptist Church provided a special prayer room, local businesses like Zaxby’s and Brewsters organized fundraisers, and the Hendersonville Police Department, where James had served for 23 years and took a leave of absence when Liam was diagnosed, also held fundraisers and showed support. Numerous other organizations and businesses gave back to the Bachman family.
As a police officer, James has seen the best and worst in people within his own community. He shared, “People usually only call when they need something. But now, people are stepping forward to help us, going out of their way on their own. It is really nice to see this again.”
James takes pride in his job, providing second chances to everyone he encounters. He remarked that he has contacts for people from all walks of life, including those struggling with addiction because ultimately, he wants to help them.
“And now, people are extending that help to my family,” he said.
For Liam, the support from his community does not go unnoticed. “When this all started, I was in a lot of pain, and that was really tough. But now, it’s like the pain isn’t even there anymore,” Liam said.
He has been enjoying his time with his siblings, playing games, and listening to his favorite musician, Frank Sinatra.
Indeed, love possesses a remarkable healing power, and Liam has undoubtedly felt this love from his family, friends, and neighbors. Liam said, “I would like to thank them all; I really appreciate it.”
Liam has also become pen pals with a woman who battled osteosarcoma during her youth, and their conversations have helped alleviate some of his fears about his diagnosis.
“He’s a lot stronger than I would be,” James said, with tears in his eyes and a tremble in his voice. “It is amazing how resilient children are [in the face of] adversity.”
As his son continues his fight against cancer, he remains hopeful and determined.
James said they’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for life’s simple joys and the significance of cherishing each moment together. With the support of their loving community, they look forward to brighter days ahead.
Their story serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, love and unity can light the path toward a brighter future and help ease the pain of some of the difficult times. GN
