Published: September 30, 2008 10:50 pm      

Charity golf tournament seeks aces for Asher

19-month-old boy suffers from leukemia

EDMOND — In June, one day before Father’s Day, Kayla and Ty Edelen of Edmond were told their 16-month-old son, Asher, had high risk acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer.

Kayla Edelen said her son has a rare DNA abnormality called MLL rearrangement. He was diagnosed after the couple took him to the doctor when bruises began to appear on his body, which turned out to be from low platelets caused by the disease. Asher’s first week in the hospital cost about $40,000, which included tests and chemotherapy.

“He has amazed us with his strength and resilience,” Kayla Edelen said. “Asher has been such a blessing. He’s a soft-hearted little boy.”

While the couple does have health insurance, they have started an organization, “Aces 4 Asher” to help with medical expenses.

“Over all, we want to grow this into something bigger to help other families of children with blood cancer,” Kayla Edelen said.

As part of their fundraising efforts, they will have a two-person scramble golf tournament at 9 a.m. Oct. 25 at Rose Creek. The $100 registration is due today but teams still will be accepted after the deadline. Kayla Edelen said the cost includes a barbecue lunch, a T-shirt, a gift bag, a cart and the range.

They already have received several donations and sponsorships for the tournament. Bronze, gold and platinum sponsorships still are available.

“I’ve just been amazed at the local support from businesses,” Edelen said. “We’re thankful for all the support from our friends and family. We’ve had support from Ally’s House and the Oklahoma Children’s Cancer Society.”

Sharon Edelen, Asher’s grandmother, said she spent last weekend with her grandson.

“He is just precious. He is so sweet-hearted, kind and loving,” she said. “He’s got big, dark beautiful eyes.”

Kayla Edelen said her son loves his family, Sesame Street and anything sports related.

“He is crazy about sports,” Sharon Edelen said. “He plays with basketballs, golf balls, baseballs.”

She said during one hospital stay Asher asked to watch basketball instead of cartoons.

FOR MORE information about the golf tournament, call Ty Edelen at 513-2512. For more information about donating to “Aces 4 Asher,” visit caringbridge.org/visit/AsherCole.