Leukemia patient Kane Hogan, a freshman at Danville High School, is fighting the battle of his life at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Back home, prayer for his full recovery is growing rapidly.

On Friday night, fans at the Danville vs. Brewer basketball games emptied the stands and stood hand in hand around the court to offer up prayer on his behalf. After a moment of silence, Danville Baptist Church Youth Pastor Joe Bailey vocalized a prayer for Kane’s recovery.

Many in the audience wore Kane buttons and T-shirts and cheerleaders wore orange socks as a reminder of the “Orange Outs for Kane,” which were observed earlier in the week at both Danville and Brewer High Schools.

“The students have done a lot to support and show their love for Kane, and it has spread throughout the community and county,” said DHS Principal Marty Chambers. “Kane is a popular student on campus, and the faculty and student body has really rallied behind him as he struggles with his illness.”

The 14-year-old all-sports athlete was rushed to St. Jude Hospital on Jan. 24 after he was diagnosed with leukemia and received four pints of blood and four pints of plasma at Huntsville Hospital.

“He is receiving chemotherapy treatments and is in good spirits,” said his mother, Michelle Hogan. His room is filled with get-well posters and cards from his teachers and fellow students. “He has a positive outlook, likes his nurses and is anxious to get back in school.”

“We expect to be here for four to six weeks and his therapy will continue at home for several more weeks,” she stated.

“We’re overwhelmed with the attention, concern and prayer support Kane is receiving,”
his mother said. “He had 200 visitors the night he received blood transfusions at Huntsville Hospital. His coaches have visited him, and 20 of his friends were here to see him on Sunday. His Facebook page is always busy with words and photos of support and encouragement.”

“All three of our boys have been healthy for the most part, with only an occasional bad cold,” she pointed out. “Kane was being treated for a bad cold and sore shoulder when leukemia was diagnosed.”

A fund for Kane and his family has been set up at Alabama Credit Union in Decatur.

Kane Hogan is an all-around athlete at Danville High School who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. | Special to the Enquirer