Inspired by his son, local man heads leukemia support efforts

Six years ago, doctors told Ocean Pines resident John Magathan that his then two-year-old son Lucas had leukemia. John says Lucas had to endure over three years of chemotherapy. Persevering daily through grueling treatments.
“The treatment for him at times would put him in bed for days where he wouldn’t move. He would just be so weak from all of the chemotherapy.” Said Magathan.

Six years later, Lucas is well on his way to a full recovery. Just last week, Lucas had the chance to meet Maryland Governor Larry Hogan who had his own bout with another form of blood cancer Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Lucas isn’t quite in the clear yet but we’re told he should make a full recovery.

Influenced by his son, Magathan now wants to help others fight the same disease his son has. According to the LLS, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer every 3 minutes. Across the board more than 1.2 million Americans are either in remission or are living with some form of blood cancer.

Magathan has played a big part in organizing several local fundraisers that will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 100%. On Friday a benefit will take place at Seacrets in Ocean City and in mid-May, another one at Headquarters Live in Salisbury.

“It helps provide medicine and treatment for the patients.” Magathan told 47 ABC, “Just come out, support the cause for kids and adults that are fighting leukemia and lymphoma. All of it is just a wonderful cause,”

For more on these events and how you can get involved, click here.