Tina Thomas is a single mom whose son Sean is battling leukemia for the fourth time in his seven years.
An old high school friend from Montreal — Johnny Barnes, a Port Moody businessman — and his wife, Heather Wallace-Barnes, are anxious to help the family any way they can.
And they want you to help, too.
If you're ready to rock.
On Saturday, the couple will host a benefit at the Rocky Point Taphouse called Rockaburley, a 1950s-themed show with live rockabilly music and burlesque dancers.
There will be auction goodies to bid on as well, with most of the proceeds going to pay for the day-to-day needs of Thomas and her son at BC Children's Hospital — a place they've called home for the past 102 days.
Their heartbreaking journey started in October 2011 after Thomas took Sean, then three years old, to the hospital with what she thought was the flu. (Two months before that, they were evicted from their Vancouver home when her 22-year employer, Rocky Mountaineer, locked out its workers and she couldn't afford to pay the rent).
He underwent treatment and they thought the cancer was beat but he relapsed in January 2014, when it spread to his testicles. Six months later, those organs were removed and, the same month, he had a bone marrow transplant.
This past June, he relapsed again and, last month, doctors said the leukemia had advanced to the liver of the Grade 2 Vancouver elementary student.
Tina has spent every night by his side since June 30.
How does she cope? "I don't know. I really don't have a choice. You get into 'cancer land.' It's hell on Earth to see a child suffer. He is screaming and yelling in pain because of the chemo and for food."
Cash raised at Rockaburley will pay for her meals and, sometimes, a special takeout pizza for him that he is able to digest. It will also help with their toiletries, clothing and laundry, of which she has eight loads a week.
"Everything costs a small fortune," she said, adding, "That money would be a godsend."
Wallace-Barnes, who has two young children with Johnny Barnes, said the couple couldn't turn their backs. "You are so touched by their story," she said. "Just to know that it's going on, you can't imagine what they're going through. You picture your own child."
Wallace-Barnes, who owns Pinball Alley Vintage, said the couple wanted to put on a fun event to enjoy with the community, with a goal to raise at least $2,000 — "or as much as humanly possible."
Pennie Belle will kick off the night before Rockabilly Jay and the Cadillac Bones burn up the stage along with a go-go dancer.
The auction will take place after the first set and includes items donated by Tri-City businesses: ink time with Black Rabbit Tattoo, a gift basket from Mint Hair Lounge, a gift certificate for Little Gypsy's Fine Jewelry, a piercing from Sinister Skin Tattoo and Piercing, and the book Tracks In Time: Port Moody's First 100 Years donated by Real Estate Evolved. As well, there will be a pin-up photography session.
As for the burlesque dancers, Audrey Marx and Ann Narky will treat the crowd with their sultry moves.
• Rockaburley tickets cost $20 and are available at Pinball Alley Vintage (2608 St. Johns St.) or at the door of Rocky Point Taphouse (2524 St. Johns St.). The party starts at 8 p.m. Call 604-492-1732.
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@jwarrenTC
