Kingston Litty had just turned 10 years old when he and his family learned what was causing the knee pain that was forcing him to use crutches. Last October, Litty was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that primarily affects children and young adults.
Litty, who loves playing Fortnight and fishing, has begun chemotherapy at New Orleans Ochsner Pediatric Oncology – over an hour drive from his home in Maurepas. He has already required multiple blood transfusions, and he has a surgery scheduled this month for a hip replacement and to replace his femur with a titanium rod. He will continue to need blood transfusions after his surgery.
When Rebecca Murray, a St. Charles Parish native, came across Litty’s story, she jumped into action. Murray’s younger sister, Meghan Schexnayder-Grecko, fought osteosarcoma for eight years, and Murray now sits on the board of Helping Hearts Foundation, a non-profit that helps children diagnosed with cancer.
Murray is organizing a blood drive for Litty on Saturday, March 22 at St. Anthony of Padua Church from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
“The community can help Kingston by pre-registering to come out and donate blood,” Murray said. “The replacement blood drive collects from donors to replace blood that has been transfused to [Litty] prior and helps ensure that there is enough blood for patients who need it, given the current blood shortage.”
She said a single blood donation can save up to three lives.
“We need the community to rally together in order to do make sure each and every patient, including Kingston, is able to receive this life-giving gift,” Murray said.
All blood types are needed. Picture ID will be required at the blood drive, and donors are encouraged to eat a meal before donating.
Murray said she will also serve jambalaya plates during the blood drive for additional financial support for the family.
“His grandmother is his full-time caregiver while his grandfather works in order to support their needs,” Murray said.
Tammy Picou, Litty’s grandmother, said Litty’s diagnosis was a shock.
“He kept complaining of knee pain and we brought him to two different hospitals, and they didn’t find anything,” Tammy said.
It wasn’t until Litty tripped and fractured his femur that doctors made the cancer diagnosis.
“Everybody thinks it’s going to happen to somebody else,” Tammy said of the cancer diagnosis. “This kid is something else. He is so strong, and he never, ever complains.”
Tammy said Litty – who they call King – loves cowboy hats, wranglers and boots. He loves video games and has a big heart, Tammy said.
“He would give anyone the shirt off his back,” she said.
Litty’s grandfather, Burt Picou, agreed.
“He’s the biggest, kindest hearted kid you will ever meet in your life,” Burt said. “He has always been uplifting. He is very respectful. There is not a mean bone in his body.”
Tammy and Burt have been Litty’s guardians since Litty was four months old. Burt, who works remotely as a dispatcher for an oil field, described Litty as his side kick. Sometimes, when Burt is working nights, he takes Litty to Waffle House at midnight on his lunch break. The two often go fishing together.
“He is more of a blessing to us than we have ever been to him,” Burt said.
