Benefit for boy

Several weeks ago, Tara and Estevan Subia of Midland found out their 2-year-old son had a tumor the size of a small cantaloupe in his abdomen.

"It was scary because we didn’t know what was going to happen at first," Estevan Subia said. "Half of his abdomen was the tumor and everything else was pushed to the side. Everything just happened really, really fast from the time they told us it was a tumor."

Kohen Subia was diagnosed with a Wilmes tumor and doctors recently removed a kidney and part of his liver and diaphragm at Cook Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth. He’s currently recovering from surgery and finishing up multiple radiation treatments, his father said. His last radiation treatment in Fort Worth took place Friday and he will continue receiving chemotherapy for the next seven months or so in Midland.

Estevan Subia, who works at Advanced Stimulation Technologies, said it would be difficult for he and his wife, who works at Midland Pediatric Associates, to both work while their son goes through chemotherapy because their son will not be able to go back to daycare during that time.

A combination of medical bills not covered by insurance and the potential loss of income if one parent stays home could create a huge financial burden, he said, but many family members and friends are trying to help by putting together fundraisers.

One group of friends will host a benefit concert with a live band and DJs from 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at Buckshots in Midland. It will cost $10 at the door and all the proceeds will help pay medical bills.

Felis Subia, Kohen Subia’s grandmother, said she and another group would host a food fundraiser 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at West Side Lions Club, 4312 Thomason Drive, Midland. Participants can purchase a brisket plate for $7. It includes a baked potato, beans, salsa and bread.

Orders are currently being taken for dine-in, pickup or delivery, she said. Drinks and deserts will be available for sale for those who dine in, and Odessa deliveries will also be available.

"He is just a 2-year-old boy and seeing him down is hard," Felis Subia said, "but he’s a tough little boy."

Although Kohen Subia has gone through a lot in the last few weeks, Estevan Subia said his son has been handling the experience well.

"He’s still smiling and being more of him self as time goes by," he said.

Although he didn’t want to move around the first few days after coming out of surgery and intensive care, Estevan Subia said his son was able to cheer up and move around as soon as he saw the playroom on his floor at the hospital.

"As soon as he got in the playroom, he almost jumped out of the wagon," he said. "My wife and I had to chase him around and then we were thinking, ‘Oh my god! Oh my god,’ because he was bending over and moving around a lot."

For those interested in donating directly, a bank account in Kohen Subia’s name will be set up at My Community Bank in the next few days. An account number can then be obtained by calling Tara or Estevan Subia at 218-9684.

IF YOU GO

>> Kohen, 2-year-old son of Tara and Estevan Subia of Midland, was diagnosed with a Wilmes tumor and is currently recovering from surgery (removal of a kidney and part of his liver and diaphragm) and needs multiple radiation treatments and chemotherapy.

>> What: A benefit concert for Kohen Subia will include a live band and DJs.

>> When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Aug. 22

>> Where: Buckshots in Midland, located at 2600 FM 307.

>> Cost: $10 at the door.

>> What: Brisket plate orders are currently being taken for dine-in, pickup or delivery.

>> When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

>> Where: West Side Lions Club, 4312 Thomason Drive, Midland.

>> Plates cost $7 and include a baked potato, beans, salsa and bread. Odessa deliveries will also be available. Drinks and deserts will be available for sale for those who dine in.

>> Call: 238-3452 or 694-3861.