A COURAGEOUS Lutterworth lad will be allowed to stay in the US to finish the only treatment that could save him from a rare form of cancer.
Alex Goodwin, 9, and his family spent nearly three weeks in limbo after being told he would have to leave in April – two months before the treatment would have been complete.
But the Goodwins and their 22,000-strong army of Twitter supporters took their case to the top levels of the UK and US governments – and Alex’s dad, Rugby policeman Jeff Goodwin, confirmed the happy news via Twitter on Monday (March 13).
He said: “Informed by US Citizenship and Immigration Services that Alex can stay and complete his treatment!”
Sir Alan Duncan, the UK Foreign Office Minister for Europe and the Americas, championed Alex’s case after The Observer contacted the Goodwins’ MP Alberto Costa.
Mr Costa, who represents South Leicestershire, said: “I’m grateful to The Rugby Observer for highlighting and championing this important cause, and to Alan Duncan MP for his ministerial support.”
Alex, from Dunton Bassett near Lutterworth, went to Kansas in December for specialist treatment for Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.
Jeff thanked Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Kansas Representative Kevin Yoder, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office for their efforts in overturning the decision to send Alex home.
Mr Kobach said: “This was a clear humanitarian case where there were a number of options to extend the period of authorised stay.
“I have tried to help in this case by communicating with people in Washington DC to make sure Alex is authorised to stay in the United States.”
Mr Yoder added: “Congratulations Alex, happy to help! There’s nobody better in the world to treat you than Kansas University Medical Centre and Children’s Mercy Hospital.”
After doctors removed Alex’s cancer in January, they said he would ‘make it through’ despite having a tough road ahead.
But Alex will require treatment for many years to come, including further surgery, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy – all of which will need to take place in Kansas to maximize his chances of survival.
Throughout his ordeal, Alex – who loves nature, natural history and science – has kept a smile on his face for his social media followers.
His family and friends are continuing to raise funds for Alex’s rehabilitation through childhood and beyond. Visit www.gofundme.com/alexgjourney to donate.
Follow ‘Alexander’s Journey’ on Twitter to show your support for Alex.
