Opinion: Say a prayer, lend a hand; Cross needs it

A Springfield business is looking for a miracle.

No, it’s not a multimillion-dollar sale to turn a first profit, not a surge in earnings to please investors and not a Fortune 500 CEO to come swooping in for the rescue.

In fact, it has nothing to do with business.

Buxton-Kubik-Dodd are hoping that a young child at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., is cured of a rare and potentially deadly form of cancer.

That young child is one of their own; he’s Cross Kubik, the 23-month-old son of partner Brian Kubik.

“We’re praying for a miracle. That’s what it will take,” said partner Joyce Buxton. What Buxton and partners hope for is a cure for the Stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer that Cross is battling.

Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor, the second most common kind in children, usually originating in the adrenal glands above the kidneys, according to St. Jude’s Web site.

Stage 4 means that the cancer has spread but not to the opposite side of the body. Cross just completed his first round of chemotherapy treatments, and the family reports good progress.

“The tumor has shrunk in size,” reads the Kubik family’s online journal entry of Oct. 3. “We are just so happy to finally get good news.”

The journal is posted at www.caringbridge.org/visit/crosskubik, a site created by a family friend and dedicated to Cross and the Kubiks. More than 6,700 people have visited the site, with more than 400 posting messages of encouragement and hope on the guest book page. People as far away as California, Ohio and Michigan have responded.

Also on the site, “Crusade for Cross” T-shirts and wristbands are for sale to raise money for St. Jude’s in Cross’ name.

Additionally, there is a fund at Liberty Bank in honor of Cross and talk of a foundation in his name.

With so many people asking how they can help, Buxton-Kubik-Dodd sent a mass e-mail to business associates and friends, listing the ways:

• Pray.

• The Cross Kubik Fund. The fund is managed by Kristen Scheer and goes toward anything needed in the care of Cross. Donations, made payable to “Cross Kubik Fund,” can be mailed to Ms. Kristen Scheer, Cross Kubik Fund, 200 Secret Spring Drive, Ozark, MO 65721.

• Cards and packages. Send to Cross Kubik, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105-2794. Due to hospital restrictions, Cross cannot receive flowers or stuffed animals. Cross is receiving a shoebox full of new toys, books, DVDs, etc. every Friday. To contribute, deliver an item to Buxton-Kubik-Dodd, 1531 E. Bradford Parkway, Ste. 320, Springfield, MO 65804. Because Cross is expected to lose his hair after treatment, the office also is building a hat collection for Cross.

“We have clients who will come in for a client meeting and will bring a toy with them. That’s pretty cool,” Buxton said.

• St. Jude donation. St. Jude is heavily supported by private donations. Visit www.stjude.org, to learn more about the services available for patients and families, or to make a donation.

“You sometimes wonder how big of an impact your contributions make to a big organization like that,” Buxton said. “We’ve had a firsthand glimpse into what a difference it makes. Brian and Ashley have nothing but glowing remarks for St. Jude’s.”

Back in Springfield, the partners at Buxton-Kubik-Dodd are working to maintain business as usual. Buxton said they’re “doing whatever it takes to get jobs out the door,” and are glad to do it.

“It’s not hard to put yourself in Brian’s shoes,” she said, noting that she and Dodd each have a child.

Dodd said that’s what business partners are for.

“If you have a crisis, the partners will be there to help pick up what you can’t accomplish,” he said. “We’re just trying to do our best to help Brian … just as we know he’d do for us.”

Architects Bill Derington, Michael Sapp and Bob Stockdale have offered staffing help while Brian is away. While the firm hasn’t taken them up on it, Buxton is grateful for the offer.

While Kubik agreed to an interview for this column, he was unable to be reached the week it went to press. I pray that all is well in Memphis, and I ask the business community in Springfield to help a colleague in need.

Pray. Donate. Send a letter or post a message online. Let the Kubiks know they’re not alone.

Eric Olson is the news editor for Springfield Business Journal.