Over the course of the last nine months Connor has had a great number of tests and treatments. He had six hours of surgery to remove cancer in his brain. He had 33 proton beam radiation treatments and is currently completing 44 weeks of chemotherapy.
Through it all Connor has continued to have an amazing spirit and brings joy and a smile to all.
Last September, when Connor underwent his last radiation treatment, the staff members at St. Mary’s held a huge bell ringing ceremony, complete with visits from a number of “super heroes” in honor of the occasion. The Incredible Hulk, rang the bell, joined by The Patriot, Ironman, Spiderman and Batman. The family wore T-shirts that read “Connor Smashed Cancer” with a picture of the Incredible Hulk.
Connor, who lives with his mother in Newry Township, is the grandson of the late Tippy and Sharon Weckwerth of New Richland and Mike and Beverly O’Connor of Blooming Prairie. His family has had a great number of people praying for Conner and offering to help however they could.
Amy Johnson Svoboda has been a dear friend of April’s for many years. Born only a day apart, they have always done what they could to help each other in times of trouble, so naturally Amy felt she had to do something to help.
Amy decided to organize a Connor’s Fight Benefit. They have made several adjustments to their home, as well as have incurred a large number of expenses during the many trips to Rochester, including travel expenses, parking, motels and food to name a few.
April said they were fortunate to stay at the Ronald McDonald House during Connor’s six weeks of radiation.
Rochester opened this new cancer division in June last year, which was a great help for Connor.
Connor required a wheelchair following surgery, but has now been able to get around on his own with the help of leg braces.
He also lost all his baby teeth about the same time and his new teeth are coming in. Many are crooked and he will eventually need braces.
Connor is in Natalie Sorensen’s first-grade classroom in Blooming Prairie and said his favorite class is math. Connor has been able to attend school sporadically. The kids at school have been real excited to see Connor when he has been able to get back.
When Connor isn’t in school, or in the hospital, he enjoys playing Monopoly. His favorite is the Classic Monopoly, which takes the longest to play. He has also played several other forms of the game too, including Farm Monopoly, Billboard Monopoly and Empire Monopoly, to name a few. He has also been able to enjoy bowling and playing laser tag and have a few play dates with his cousin, Bradley, and good friend, Levi.
Connor turned 7 in January and made his own birthday cake, a triple layer brownie topped it with blue cherry vanilla frosting.
Speaking of food, Connor’s favorites include sloppy joes, pizza, tacos and spaghetti. April said that food sometimes upsets his stomach following treatments and has found that the sloppy joes seem to be the best.
At the March 20 benefit, a live and silent auction are planned and face painting will be available. Tracy Holland and Holland Auction Company will help with the benefit.
Johnson Svoboda reports she has already received a number of donations including a snowmobile jacket, fire ring and several John Deere toys. Ryan “Junior” Johnson has donated a rocking horse and a rocking truck. Amy has also received a great collection of hand knit items, blankets and quilts. The Minnesota Vikings have sent a signed picture of Cordarrelle Patterson.
Krejci Ford and Sorenson’s Appliance have donated a 40” television. KROC has donated Twins baseball tickets.
KROC has been following Connor through this ordeal and have invited him to come to the station and hang out with them one day, which he is really excited about.
Several people indicated they planned to donate home baked items for the auction. Connor also plans to make his mother’s favorite apple crisp cheese cake, which many have come to know about and enjoy.
Please note that both Connor’s mother and his grandmother, Beverly, have severe allergies to peanuts and other nuts. Connor likes peanut butter.
If you have questions, would like to help, or donate items for either the silent or live auction, contact Amy at 507-456-6761.
If you want to help but are unable to attend, cash donations can be sent to the Farmers Merchants State Bank, c/o Connor Weckwerth, 245 East Main Street, Box 277, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
April was attending college at Riverland and just graduated in May of 2015 before Connor became ill, and as a result has not been able to pursue her career. April’s grandfather, Thomas O’Connor, passed away on February 21, which was also sad for the family.
Amy has been trying to do what she can to help Connor and April, as well as deal with a number of medical problems herself. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma in May of last year and had to undergo six chemotherapy. Each of the treatments required her to stay in the hospital for five days. She feels fortunate it didn’t stop her from being as helpful as she could for Connor and April.
Friends don’t let friends fight cancer alone, and it is hoped many friends support Connor and his family on Sunday, March 20 in Geneva.
