Submitted photo Carly Ludewig, left, and Jeremy Ludewig of Sleepy Eye enjoy a lighter moment with their two-year-old son Lennon, who has leukemia. The Knights of Columbus in Sleepy Eye are doing a Teddy Bear Drive fundraiser to help the family. Teddy Bears are available for purchase at Sleepy Eye, Comfrey and Springfield businesses. Online orders and donations are also being accepted.

SLEEPY EYE — Usually this time of year, the Sleepy Eye Knights of Columbus hosts a pancake breakfast to benefit a person or family in need.

Recipients don’t have to belong to the Knights of Columbus or even be Catholic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of a pancake breakfast, the group is hosting a Teddy Bear Drive to benefit two-year-old Lennon Ludewig and his parents Carly and Jeremy Ludewig. Lennon has leukemia and has endured lots of medical treatment.

“With the pandemic, a meal would have had to be take-out only. We didn’t think pancakes would be the best for take out,” said Sleepy Eye Knights of Columbus (KC) member Brian Braun.

“We know that in spite of this, people who are facing a hard time would still need help. We decided to ask the Ludewigs if they would allow us to do a fundraiser for them. They graciously said ‘yes.'” said Braun.

Last April, Jeremy Ludewig noticed a large, hairless bump on his son’s head. Several days later, lab work at Sleepy Eye Medical Center showed concerning cancer signs.

Lennon was immediately referred to the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital emergency room and was soon diagnosed with cancer. The bump on his head was a group of leukemia cells that signal advancing cancer.

High-risk, acute lymphoblastic leukemia had spread to Lennon’s spinal fluid. He also had a gene mutation called Kmt2a, which can make the cancer harder to treat and more likely to return.

Lennon is following a very aggressive, 2 1/2 year chemotherapy plan and will not be considered cancer free until he has been so for 10 years.

The Ludewigs said they both look forward to the day Lennon can just be a kid again. His final treatment date is August 2022, just before his fourth birthday.

“Aside from having pneumonia twice, Lennon has handled treatment beautifully without any major issues,” said the Ludewigs. “He has nausea often, has lost mobility twice for a short time, due to the effects of chemo and steroids, but he is extremely resilient.

“Even when he feels terrible, he still tried to play and be happy. He doesn’t understand that every kid doesn’t have a port (for intravenous treatments) or go to the doctor and get chemo through a ‘tubey’ like he does,” they said. “He doesn’t know what cancer is. That is just what his life has become and he thinks it’s normal. When he is feeling good between treatments, he is a happy, little toddler, obsessed with trains, construction and anything with wheels.”

The Ludewigs further described Lennon as “a bubbly, little boy that loves people, is not shy at all.”

For the next 18 months, Lennon will make monthly trips to Children’s Hospital for treatment besides taking daily oral chemotherapy at home.

Jeremy Ludewig has continued to work at Central Region Cooperative, taking occasional days off while treatment days and hospital stays.

Carly is on extended leave from her Sleepy Eye Medical Center job, caring for Lennon.

Braun opened KC benefit accounts at all Sleepy Eye financial institutions that accept cash donations.

Teddy bears with Lennon’s name written on the front are available for $20 each at a number of Sleepy Eye, Comfrey and Springfield businesses.

Braun said he was impressed with the favorable response he got from businesses in Sleepy Eye, Comfrey and Springfield.

“As each business was contacted, it became more and more apparent how many people truly care and want to help even during these hard times,” Braun said. “The support given has been overwhelming.”

To make online teddy bear orders and donations, visit www.divinemercyafc.org, select St. Mary’s Online giving, log in, select “Give a New Gift,” and “KC Benefit.”

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).