SAFD answers the call for 4-year-old fighting cancer

Child has rare type of cancer called neuroblastoma

SAN ANTONIO – River Laurence, 4, has been battling a rare type of cancer called neuroblastoma since 2014.

He's spent the last few weeks in the hospital being treated for an infection but got a special surprise Monday.

"Two weeks ago they told us there was a 50/50 chance that he wasn't going to survive the infection he had and now to see him this way. Just the absolute joy he gets out of the fire department amazes me and the kindness of these guys is just amazing," Joscelyn Laurence said.

Firefighters with the San Antonio Fire Department helped turn things around for the child after his mother turned to social media for help. 

"It's definitely not in their job description to go and play with a child. It's not in their job description, but in so many ways they're saving him too today. It may not be from a fire or a car wreck or something like that but they're brightening his spirits," Laurence said.

Firefighters played with Play-Doh, puzzles and even got in a game of hide and seek.

"If we can help anybody at any time, that's what we're here to do," said Luke Schott of SAFD.

A blood drive will be held Saturday in honor of River. It will be hosted at the American Legion Post 593 in Converse from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.


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