Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
1:30 am Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Johnathon Mars

By Staff
July 31, 2001
Many, too many, children face the pain of cancer. Four-year-old Johnathon Mars of Meridian began chemotherapy treatments for cancer again last week at University Medical Center Children's Hospital in Jackson. His cancer, diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma  a malignant soft tissue tumor  on his first birthday in 1998, has been in remission for about two years.
Now it's back, but the young man has a fighting spirit that is already an inspiration to other cancer patients. His parents, Robyn and Andy Mars, and big brother, Josh, are doing all they can do in his behalf.
And, in fact, many in our community are offering their prayers and other support.
Cancer is a heavy burden for anyone to bear, an over-burden perhaps in very young patients who should be able to romp and play with their friends.
We encourage everyone in our community to include in their prayers Johnathan Mars and other cancer patients whose names we may not know. Let us also pray that a cure will one day be found, a cure that will end this kind of suffering once and for all.

Also on Franklin County Times
Dowdy sentencing delayed due to medical emergency
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The sentencing of Brandy Dowdy will have to wait until another day after her defense attorney suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday...
Legislative session opens Jan. 13; Kiel prefiles 2 bills
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- State Rep. Jamie Kiel has prefiled two bills ahead of the 2026 Alabama legislative session. The bills, which will be considered when l...
Hollimon reflects on 40 years in education
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dr. Deanna Hollimon always felt she was called to be an educator. After 40 years as a teacher, reading coach, administrator and educati...
Firefighters train for vehicle rescues
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters trained last week on how to stabilize overturned vehicles and remove trapped occupants. Fire Chief Joe Mansell said t...
Neighbors helping neighbors, one soda pop tab at a time
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 7, 2026
Most people don’t think twice about the small aluminum tab on top of a soda can. But those tiny pieces of metal have quietly helped families stay clos...
2025: A year of results for Alabama families
Columnists, Opinion
January 7, 2026
The past year has certainly been a memorable one — and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through t...
Author’s collapse was motivation for comeback
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
When Pete Key collapsed on the bathroom floor in 2024, it didn’t feel like a turning point. It felt like an ending. He had been sick for days — dehydr...
Phil Campbell’s Elliott hits 1,000th career point
High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
The Phil Campbell Bobcats kicked off the 2026 calendar year in style Saturday night, securing a decisive 54-37 victory over the visiting Belgreen Bull...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *