The second a baby is born, the new parents count fingers and toes, and look over their child until they are satisfied that their new bundle of joy is perfectly healthy. Adam Schmaltz was born with all his fingers and toes, but he had a much more serious condition.

"Its been extremely difficult," said Adam's mother, Lynette Schmaltz. "Iexplain it as being hit with a semi truck and then rolled over again and again. You come out of the daze, and you decide that you need to be there for him."

Adam was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of cancer usually found in young children, when he was just 2 months old. Adam has a tumor that has taken over his liver and is comparable to the size of a miniature basketball.

He also has many small satellite tumors in different regions throughout his body. The tumor caused his abdomen to be enlarged, and the satellite tumors appeared as small bumps all over his body, which prompted his family to question his health.

Their family doctor then referred them to a dermatologist, who recognized the cancer. The next day, he began chemotherapy.

Adam is finishing his eighth round of chemotherapy. Future treatments are uncertain. After he finishes chemotherapy, he will undergo a series of scans. These scans will determine what will happen next in his treatment, but he will most likely not have to continue with chemotherapy.

"Adam is a very strong, strong little boy, and his odds are very good," his mother said. "He's gone through all the treatment and chemotherapy like a trooper. It's amazing to see how strong little kids are."

Adam lives with his parents, Lynette and Allen Schmaltz, in Hastings, Minn., but his grandparents, Gary and Diane Chepulis, live in Bismarck.

There will be a benefit brunch for Adam from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16. He will be exactly 8 months old that day.

Eggs, french toast and ham will be served, and there will be a silent auction and a bake sale. The event will be at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 N. 26th St., Bismarck. A freewill donation is all that is required. All proceeds will go to the Adam Schmaltz Benefit Fund.

"She (Lynette) grew up here and has a lot of friends and support here, so that's why we are having the benefit here," Gary Chepulis said.

Checks payable to Thrivent Financial for Lutherns can be mailed to Doris Eiseman, 2104 LaForest Ave., Bismarck, N.D. 58501, if you are not able to attend the brunch.

(Kay Kemmet is a student at Bismarck High School.)