Eight-year-old boy has big heart

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

We have never had the chance to talk about a child making a difference, until now.

In the small town of Lookeba, Oklahoma, there's one young boy, with one big heart. He hasn't been seen around town lately, or at school, until this week.

Gus has truly made a difference in the lives of kids in his second grade class. In fact, he's inspired his entire elementary school to give up part of their Christmas, and give to others.

Gus has leukemia. He's in his second round of chemotherapy, which has damaged his nerves, and paralyzed him. It's nearing a year since he was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout that year, he's been in and out of the classroom.

Becky Scott, Gus' second grade teacher explains how the kids wanted to help Gus.

 "The kids chose to make lemonade and have a lemonade stand at recess. And they made $66. And that was right after Gus got sick, and was in the hospital. This class chose to spend that money to buy Gus things," Scott said.

They gave him a hat that's autographed by Bob Stoops. He also got an autographed football that's not with him today, because he gave it away. His kindness has inspired his classmates to give. Every student at Lookeba Elementary gave up their gift at this Christmas Party, to give blankets to the children's hospital.

Even more than giving this Christmas, this little eight year-old boy seems to know the importance of family and hope.

"The first thing I want for Christmas is to see my grandma and a miracle to happen so I can get better," Gus said

Gus goes through five days of chemotherapy each month. His parents are looking forward to a bone marrow transplant in 2008.