To the editor:

On May 7, our 51/2-year-old son, Ethan, was diagnosed with leukemia. No parents are ever prepared to receive such news. One of us has been with Ethan at Children's Hospital Boston every day, since that day. The first week, we wondered how exactly we would manage to get through this. Having two other young children at home, work responsibilities, managing our home ... it all seemed insurmountable.

Within hours, our families were there to support us. Although our families are small, they're amazingly loving, supportive and strong people. They made it all so much easier. Not being "natives" to the area, our out-of-town and out-of-state family is who we still rely on. However, we soon realized that our friends and the Rowley community were there for us in full force. Neighborhood friends, Pine Grove school friends and staff, local businesses, acquaintances and strangers, so many people are supporting us in ways we never imagined.

Individuals have been so generous, from coordinating a meal calendar, preparing and delivering meals, anonymously donating lawn services for the summer, donating platelets and blood, sending care packages and cards, donations of gas cards, phone cards, and the list goes on and on.

In June, Pine Grove School held its second largest fundraiser of the year in honor of our son, Ethan, one of Pine Grove's biggest fans. Ethan's friends were able to take part in supporting him, knowing that they could help too. In addition, White Farms Ice Cream (The Bouley family) and Rowley Realty (The McCarthy family) generously co-sponsored an old fashioned Ice Cream Social, at White Farms in Ipswich, also in honor of Ethan. Such thoughtful planning was done, as they included Ethan's big sister, Emma, allowing her to create a new flavor in honor of Ethan, "Superhero Surprise." Teachers, friends and even a selectman were dunked in a dunk tank in 60-degree weather! When Ethan learned of this, he said "Mom, they did that for me ... ." It's not just us as parents that appreciate this support, but our entire family, including our own Superhero, Ethan.

These events were coordinated by such remarkable individuals, who are all so busy with their own lives, families and jobs, yet made time for our family, to support us. And to see our out-of-town friends join forces with our Rowley friends makes us smile so big, realizing how lucky we are to have such extraordinary people in our lives. Like Ethan who is not giving up and courageously fighting his battle, this creative team has more in the works, and they are unstoppable.

We want all you to know, and you know who you are, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our bursting hearts. Our hearts are overwhelmed with your kindness, generosity, prayers, love, friendship and never-ending support. We appreciate everything you've done and continue to do. We can't wait for the day we can repay this kindness and generosity.

YANCY AND JOHANNA LENT AND FAMILY

Rowley