Auction to benefit Ellie Kate Stokes family

Published 8:33 am Thursday, June 15, 2017

All it took was seeing a name on a prayer list.

Ellie Kate Stokes, the young daughter of Zach and Amy Stokes, was diagnosed with leukemia on Nov. 5, 2016.

Susan Sykes of Kinston recognized the name on her church’s prayer list, because she is friends with Ellie Kate’s aunt, Shannon Jordan.

Moved by the family’s situation, she decided upon closing her boutique business in Kinston that the remaining merchandise would be donated to help the family with expenses.

Enter Kyle Swicegood, local auctioneer and real estate broker. He agreed to host the items for an online auction.

Visit www.swicegoodauctions.com to view the items and make a bid. To view the items in person, visit the basement area behind NAPA Auto on North Main Street in Mocksville on Tuesday, June 20 from 4-7 p.m. Enter the parking area from Church Street across from First Methodist.

Ellie Kate was born on April 20, 2013. She has a brother, Blake, 11, and a sister, Emersyn, 2. Paternal grandparents are Andy and Jewell Stokes. Maternal grandparents are David and Betsy McCray.

She first got sick in October, 2016, and gradually got worse before being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. She underwent immediate surgery for a port placed to begin chemotherapy treatments.

Her three-year treatment plan includes three phases: induction, consolidation and maintenance.

The first 28 days, the induction phase, was the most intense. She underwent various chemo treatments, inlcuding lumbar punctures with intrathecal chemo, high doses of steroids, and chemotherapy through her port.

For the past five months, she has been in the consolidation phase, receiving chemo every seven to 10 days. She continues to have multiple lumbar punctures and hospital stays for treatment and complications from chemotheraphy side effects.

In July, Ellie Kate will begin the maintenance phase of treatment. The 2.5-year phase includes chemotherapy at home and in the clinic. Blood counts will be monitored every two weeks.

“Now, because of the kindness of a person who believed in prayer, you have the opportunity to bid on some great items and support this beautiful child,” Swicegood said.