About four months ago a new family moved into one of our communities, here in Mesquite.

Doyle, Melissia, and their five children came from Idaho to have a new start in our little town.

On Thanksgiving Day their oldest son, who is 15, was diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Non-Hodgkins.

This form of cancer is aggressive and very difficult to treat.

Since the diagnosis, Blade and his mother have been back and forth to Salt Lake for treatments.

They journey up North every five days to ensure Blade gets the best of care.

Blade Donovan Ward is a sophomore at Virgin Valley High School and is a phenomenal musician.

He has been very active in and enjoys being a part of the music programs offered at school, has played and various venues around town, and his band, the “Von Swayzi”, has been booked as the “house band” at the local Fat Cats Sports Pub.

The band is truly a family affair!

He plays along side his two brothers and his dad.

Blade plays the guitar and sings as if he has been on stage for a lifetime!

He has fantastic musical talent.

The new move, job change, travel expenses, and the unexpected medical costs have been overwhelming, to say the least.

The family needs a helping hand this Christmas to supply some basic needs and little Christmas cheer.

The community that the family resides in has been fantastic!

Neighbors of Blade's family have started sending donations to assist the in their time of need.

Though everyone has been affected by the ugly financial situation the entire Nation faces, we are finding that people of Mesquite are true Angels and are insistent in making a difference for those in need.

We are hoping that as a “Little City with a Big Heart” we can gather great support for this family.

If you are able to help, you may forward donations to the Blade Ward Medical Fund, C/O Mountain America Credit Union, 355 W. Mesquite Blvd., Ste A-10, Mesquite, NV 89027.

Toll free #: 1-800748-4302.

You may go to MySpace.com/supportblade to leave comments or keep updated on how Blade is progressing.

The family appreciates all support and has truly decided that their journey that led them to Mesquite has landed them here for a reason.

Happy Holidays and thank you Mesquite!

-Michelle Hampsten

Blade’s Neighbor