NATCHEZ — People who know Brody BeQuette and countless others who don’t are rallying to support the 4 year old recently diagnosed with cancer.

Brody, the son of Ron BeQuette and Crystal Davis, returns to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson this morning following a one-day pass at home, his father said.

Although they can’t go with him, Miss-Lou residents are supporting the Adams County Christian School pre-school student from home.

Local events include:

• The Brody BeQuette Replacement Blood Drive is planned for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Walmart in Vidalia. The event is being organized by Brody’s aunt, Courtney Thompson Wyles.

• Meredith Faust is selling $29 Hope necklaces through Premier Design with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Brody. Call 601-446-3235. The benefit lasts through the month, but those ordered by Friday will be shipped by Christmas.

• Kappi Rushing is selling red, superhero-themed T-shirts with a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 printed on them. Children’s short- and long-sleeved shirts cost $10 and $15, respectively. Adult short- and long-sleeved shirts cost $15 and $20, respectively. Rushing said order forms are available at ACCS, Natchez Rehab and Mane Event. All orders must be turned in by Wednesday.

• A Hometown Throwdown benefit show is planned Jan. 18 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.

BeQuette said his son complained of serious stomach pain last week, and a knot was discovered on Brody’s stomach, leading to a 2 a.m. trip to Natchez Regional Medical Center Dec. 3.

A CT scan identified a tumor and, following a transfer to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson, a second CT scan confirmed the cancer.

BeQuette said a biopsy Dec. 4 indicated Brody had Neuroblastoma, a malignant cancerous tumor that develops from nerve tissue.

Exactly what stage the tumor is in and how aggressive the cancer may be are not yet known. In the wake of the tragic news, many people in the Miss-Lou have come together to offer support.

The Facebook page “Prayers for Brody” started last week and secured approximately 3,000 “likes” by mid-week.

“So many people are helping, and I want to thank them all,” Ron BeQuette said. “From friends, family and our church family at First Baptist Church in Natchez to people we don’t even know, so many people have called. People have seen us in the emergency room and called the hospital back to get our information just to check in.”

BeQuette said staff members at Batson hospital have made things as comfortable as possible in a difficult time.

“Batson makes it easy on you right down to the housekeepers, who ask if you need anything every time before they leave,” he said.

Faust said she and many others at the family’s church are doing all they can because Brody and his family have a special reputation.

“I have been friends with his mother Crystal Davis since before Brody was born,” Faust said. “She is the type of person that if this happened to anyone else, she would be the first organizing fundraisers.”

BeQuette said he will return to Vidalia Friday for the blood drive and stressed for each person who donates in Brody’s name, a $10 credit will be added to the BeQuette family’s medical account.

“We’ve already had one transfusion, and we know more are coming,” BeQuette said. “All the blood donated Friday will go to someone in need.”