Hobart 8-year-old gets help with cancer battle from local hair salon

HOBART | A Hobart boy is getting some much needed help from a local hair salon in his leukemia battle.

Hair Cuttery, 1617 E. 37th Ave., Hobart, is holding a "cutathon" fundraiser starting at 6 p.m. March 4.

Proceeds from haircuts that day will go to 8-year-old Mathew Cherven, who last year was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Mathew's cancer is in remission, but he will undergo treatment for at least an additional 2 1/2 years, said his mother, Irene Cherven.

He was diagnosed April 14, she said.

Mathew, a second-grader at Ridge View Elementary School in Hobart, receives help with his studies through a teacher at home.

A big brother to sister Hannah, Mathew enjoys making things with Lego blocks but also hopes to swim and play tennis this summer.

"He loves the outdoors," Irene Cherven said.

Mathew receives a daily chemotherapy treatment at home and goes to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago for treatment once a month.

He's taking about eight to 10 medications a month, some on a daily basis.

"We've learned to take things day by day. ... My son has never complained," Cherven said. 

She said it was in early 2011 that Mathew began complaining of aches and pains to his limbs, initially thought to be growing pains.

Mathew, who had been an active Cub Scout, began having problems walking even short distances.

"He also began having trouble sleeping at night and would wake up screaming and hollering," Cherven said.

Cherven and her husband, Scott, took Mathew to a local doctor, who made the initial cancer diagnosis and arranged for him to go to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

The hospital did additional testing and confirmed the local doctor's diagnosis of Mathew.

Surgery and a blood transfusion quickly followed, and Mathew began getting better.

"It just completely changed everything for us," Irene Cherven said. 

Cherven said the family is counting its blessings because of how wonderful the local and hospital community have been.

"In the worst situation, we've found the best in humanity. We're so blessed," Cherven said.