Kole Allingham, 20 months, of Mount Wolf suffers from alveolar-type rhabdomyosarcoma -- a malignant tumor. He is undergoing chemotherapy at Penn State Children's Hospital at the Hershey Medical Center. (Submitted)

When listening to Renee and Karl Allingham recount what would be any loving parent's nightmare, their pain -- strong and raw -- was as moving as the adoration they shower on their little boy.

Emotions that ranged from disbelief to heartbreak shadowed the couple as they talked about learning that their 20-month-old son, Kole, has a large cancerous mass in his chest.

The Allinghams, who have been married for seven years and live in Mount Wolf, recently found out Kole suffers from alveolar-type rhabdomyosarcoma -- a rare, fast-growing and highly malignant tumor.

"He was in intensive care for a week," Karl Allingham said.

Kole is undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Penn State Children's Hospital at the Hershey Medical Center to shrink the mass. He's also expected to start radiation treatment soon.

"He gets sick after the chemotherapy," Karl Allingham said.

He and Renee have taken time off work to care for and spend time with their son.

Although his tiny body is fighting the raging disease, Kole's loving spirit is strong and helps his parents stay positive.

"We just take it day by day. . . . He's such a great boy," Karl Allingham said.

"He's the most beautiful boy . . . a very, very special boy," Renee Allingham said. "He's kind of an old soul. . . . He's amazing," Renee said. "He just loves everyone and everything . . . and . . . everybody loves him."

She said doctors are unsure of the exact origin of the tumor, so

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for now surgery is not possible.

"It's spider webbing," Renee Allingham said of her son's tumor.

She warned parents to keep a close eye on any changes in their kids.

"I want there to be awareness about it," Renee Allingham said of the disease. "Check for lumps."

Renee's mom, Donna Beshore of East Manchester Township, said she hopes others will reach out to Kole and his parents.

"Any support is really needed," she said, saying Renee and Karl's world has been turned upside down. "(People take for granted that) this happens to other people's families, not yours."

She also said the family needs positive energy.

"The power of prayer is mighty," she said. "So hopefully the good Lord will lay some healing hands on this child."

TO HELP

The following fundraisers will be held for Kole Jacob Allingham:

· Cut-A-Thon

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Outlook Hair Salon in Newberry Commons, Exit 34 off I-83 North

Call 938-3433

· Super Basket Bingo

Doors open 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10

Alert Fire Company, 3118 N. George St., York

30 games, all baskets filled, raffles, door prizes

· Kole Bear Day

2 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17

Harp & Fiddle, 100 N. George St., York

Event features live entertainment, a teddy bear collection for local hospitals and a silent auction

· Donations are also being accepted at local Commerce Banks. Checks should be made out to the Kole Jacob Allingham Fund.

Call William Seiler at 887-4622.