Staff Report

Jimmy Lynn and Melissa Byrd thought their son, Jensen Daniel Byrd, had swallowed a toy Dec. 8, causing his stomach to hurt.

But emergency room physicians at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center took X-rays and discovered a “mass” and tumors on the 2-year-old’s liver, according to Jerry Byrd, his grandfather and president of the Mystic Revelers.

“It’s a fast-growing tumor in children that attaches to kidneys, liver and bone marrow,” Byrd said.

Jensen’s parents were born and raised in Bay Minette. The family now lives in Fort Morgan.

The toddler underwent exploratory surgery in December and removal surgery is scheduled in a couple of months, Byrd said. Cancer-free stem cells were removed in January and replacement has been scheduled during radiation and chemotherapy therapy cycles.

“His medical bills were $53,000 in December alone, and we think the insurance will cover about $13,000, but that is subject to change,” Byrd said. “The bills are astronomical.”

To help defray medical treatment costs, the Mystic Revelers are spearheading a benefit Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Guard Armory on Third Street in Bay Minette which started as a small fund-raiser, but has caught the eye of nationally-known entertainers.

“The Doobie Brothers” and “Alabama” each are donating autographed electric guitars for an auction and Byrd said he expected more “surprise” donations this week for the auction and raffle. Other auction items include two 6,500-watt generators valued at $800 each.

The Mystic Revelers and LifeSouth Inc. also will be sponsoring a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the benefit.

“We are urging people to donate this day and be a regular blood donor to ensure an adequate level of blood for this child and other cancer and leukemia victims,” according to LifeSouth director Pam Pace.

All blood types are needed. Donors must be at least 17 years old and present a picture ID. For those who cannot donate Saturday, call (251) 621-9644 and schedule an appointment at the Daphne office.

LifeSouth is the local supplier of blood to eight local hospitals in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Blood collected in these counties is used only in this area.

Other events planned Saturday include:

• A 5-K fun run at 8 a.m., followed by a 1-K fun run at 9 a.m., with trophies for each division. Registration materials are available at JB’s Pawn and Badcock Furniture.

• A free yard sale.

• Plate lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donations also may be made to the Jensen Daniel Byrd Fund at any Regions Bank in Baldwin County.

For more information on the benefit, call (251) 421-6007, (251) 937-6971 or (251) 580-3366.