By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
JAMESTOWN (WATE) - A Fentress County elementary school teacher who is battling cancer wants to come home.
James Franklin, 27, of Jamestown, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008.
Five weeks ago, he traveled to Houston to receive a new round of chemo, but that treatment didn't work.
His family is now asking for help to bring him home.
"This is James and his wife, Lucy, and these are the girls," said Franklin's mother, Regina Franklin, pointing to a photo of her son. "Any mother in my position would want their son back home."
Since James has become so weak from the chemo, a private plane and medical team will have to bring him home.
The trip is going to cost roughly $4,000. The family has already been hit hard by all the medical costs involving his treatment.
James is a sixth grade teacher at Allardt Elementary School. He's been teaching there for four years. He was able to start teaching at the beginning of this year, but had to stop due to his illness.
He's also a lieutenant with the Fentress County Rescue Squad.
James' cousin, Travis Gaddes, just got back from visiting him in Houston.
"He's real anxious to get back home," Gaddes said. "He's had a real hard time over the past four years with this cancer. It's real upsetting. He just wants to get back home where he can rest, be at ease for a little while."
The family is praying for a miracle that James can beat this cancer, and they hope he'll be back in Tennessee soon.
"We just need him home, and anything anybody can do is greatly appreciated," his mother said. "God will reward you."
James is scheduled to fly back Friday or Saturday night, weather permitting.
His family has set up a website to help raise money for James' return trip
You can also mail donations to:
James Cancer Battle
1211 Old Highway 1275
Jamestown, TN 38556
James Franklin was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008.
