With Christmas merely days away, the students at Lincoln School in Brookfield have assuredly made their Christmas lists and are checking them twice. Like other kids, their requests likely include toys, iPods, DVDs and other assorted goodies; however, these students also have one very special, far more precious wish this holiday season.

They want to see the healthy, happy return of Alex Dodane, an 11-year-old fifth-grade student at the school, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Oct. 30.

AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of white blood cells, which is characterized by a rapid growth of abnormal cells gathering in the bone marrow, interfering with the production of normal blood cells.

From the life-altering day of his diagnosis to the present, Dodane has been a patient at the Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital on the Loyola University Medical Center Campus in Maywood.

“Everyday, I wish he would get better and be able to come back to school and be cancer-free,” said Shelby Mohrs, a classmate and friend of Dodane. “I’ve made him cards and sent him e-mails when he’s feeling better. I also play with his little brother [Sam] and his little sister [Halie] to try and take their minds off it and make them happy.”

When the news hit the Lincoln community of Dodane’s condition, parents, teachers, staff and, particularly, the students were shocked as feelings of sadness, grief and loss permeated the school.

“Obviously, there were feelings of sadness and fear from the students,” said Lincoln School social worker Jen Olsen. “We had to go into the classrooms and explain to them what leukemia is, answer their questions, and let them know Alex is still the same boy. Then, I came up with the idea of ‘Spirit Week,’ which was a way of supporting Alex, and the kids became very excited.”

With Lincoln School principal Melissa Ingram’s support, Olsen planned Spirit Week. The events, which occurred last week, included a bake sale to raise money and also hat/bandana day (since Dodane has lost his hair during treatments) and pajama day (since Dodane is in bed at the hospital) for the students.

“The whole purpose of Spirit Week was to allow students to kind of feel what he’s feeling,” Ingram said. “Even before Spirit Week everybody within the Lincoln community has really pulled together to help Alex and his family as much as possible. He’s one of those kids that inspires people into action.”

The students also have read stories on tape, sent e-mails and cards, and kept Dodane continually in their thoughts and prayers.

“I helped with the bake sale, and we made a lot of money to help Alex and his family,” said Lincoln fifth-grader Jeremy Nadolski. “Alex is really nice and thoughtful person. We’re trying to support him by telling him, ‘you can make it though this.'”

At Lincoln School, Dodane plays an instrument in the band, enjoys flag football and is a member of the Students in Service organization, which is a service project club.

“Alex cares more about others than himself,” Lincoln School teacher Larry Dewieese said. “His parents and his church did a great job of raising him. One thing that’s great about Alex is that he’s always smiling. Even the pictures I saw of him in the hospital, he’s smiling.”

The support from so many people has truly touched Dodane and his family.

“Our church, the Vineyard [in Oak Park], has really given us so much all-around support with spiritual and financial help,” said Jess Smiley, Alex’s mom. “We have only been Brookfield residents for about one-and-a-half years, so to experience how much people care has really been awesome. Alex has his good days and his bad days, but we pray a lot. Our faith is the most important thing.”

Some good news for Dodane is that his brother Sam is a 100-percent match for a bone marrow transplant. Once Dodane’s AML is in remission, he will still need to undergo another round of chemotherapy treatment. Then the next step is a bone marrow transplant.

“The odds of finding a non-twin perfect match are minimal,” Ingram said. “I know Alex’s family outlook is that God really pulled through for them.”

If you would like to make a donation or support Dodane, you can call Lincoln School at 783-4600 (ask for Jen Olsen) or visit www.supportsmileys.blogspot.com.

While Dodane’s return to Lincoln School is unclear at this point, plenty of hugs, high-fives, perhaps even a ticker-tape parade, Ingram kiddingly says, are in the works at Lincoln.

“Alex really fits in well at Lincoln,” Smiley said. “The other day he told me, ‘Mom, I never thought I would say this, but I really miss school’.”

Lincoln misses him, too.