BEATING THE BEAST: Mike Welch handling chemo treatments, schoolwork and life

A local mother is expressing her gratitude for the widespread community support for her son.

Ashley Welch’s son Mikey was diagnosed with leukemia in May.

The 7-year-old former Hafen Elementary school student is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments at a Las Vegas hospital.

Welch, a single mother, was forced to quit her job to tend to Mikey’s needs. She said this week that she is overwhelmed by the generosity and concern of local residents and even a few town officials over the past several months.

She noted that her son’s condition is improving at a steady pace.

“He’s been doing really good this whole time. There’s six different phases and he’s on number four right now and it’s a little difficult on him. His little body has had a few reactions to the chemo, but overall, his health is really good,” she said.

Welch describes herself as someone who rarely asks anyone for help.

She said aside from the stressful circumstances weighing heavily on them, it was quite tough for her to consider requesting any type of assistance after learning of her son’s condition.

In fact, it was not Welch who called for assistance – it was a friend of hers.

“I’m not the kind of person to ask for any help. Normally I’m the person who volunteers for different things. I work in the community a lot, and I’ve never asked for help. I actually didn’t ask for help, but people that we know and people that we’ve never met have come together and helped us. It was definitely unexpected and amazing,” she said.

Efforts to raise funds for the family began with a bowl-a-thon at Draft Picks in June.

Additionally, a local fundraiser dubbed the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” held in various locations throughout town, got the attention of Pahrump Town Manager Susan Holecheck, who accepted the challenge. After issuing her own challenge to other officials, the word went on to several business owners, who also agreed to have a bucket of ice water dumped over their heads at $10 a pop.

Proceeds went directly to the family.

“I got called out by our Fire Chief Scott Lewis who accepted the challenge at the Fire Station.” Holecheck said at the time. “It’s not the first time people have suggested that the town manager is all wet. I didn’t hesitate because it’s all for a good cause,” she said.

This week another challenge was offered by Pahrump’s “Unofficial Goodwill Ambassador,” Butch Harper.

Harper is challenging anyone who is “so inclined” to make a $100 donation.

The challenge will coincide with the Pahrump Valley Adult Softball Association’s coed Mosh Ball Adult Softball Tournament on Oct. 18 at Petrack Park.

“I think I got a few people hooked in to take the challenge,” Harper said. “They haven’t actually committed but I’m sure they will accept the challenge. I’m an advocate for children and frequently travel the country to children’s hospitals. Mikey is a child in our community and we have to help each other out in this town. I am challenging anybody, whether it’s for $100, $20 or $10. Whatever they can afford,” he said.

Not surprisingly, Desert View Hospital’s CEO Kelly Adams literally immersed himself in the “Ice Bucket Challenge.”

Adams and DVH employees raised $200.

Local business AmeriGas at 31 E. Wilson Road, also held a fundraiser by donating a percentage of propane delivery ticket totals to the family.

Welch, meanwhile, said she is completely overwhelmed with the continued support, after leaving her job.

“They have helped us tremendously. I went from working full time to having to stay home with Mikey. I still work, but it’s only a few hours a week. I do own my home, but it still has helped a lot and I really try to stay positive about it all,” she said.

Welch learned of her son’s condition back in May.

Costs associated with her son’s treatment amount to several thousand dollars each month.

Since his illness, Mikey has had to be home-schooled. A teach from Hafen Elementary goes to his home on a regular basis so Mikey can keep up with his classmates.