These are uncertain times for one Albert Lea family. A young boy whose days should be filled with bicycles and school books are being spent battling a frightening illness.

Caden Severtson speaks of his friend Jaeger Venem as though they were a couple of old-timers.

"I've known him since he was born," Caden says.

To hear his friends describe him, Jaeger Venem is a typical 7-year-old in a lot of ways. "He likes hockey," “he's kind of shy," and “he likes to ride his bike.”

But Jaeger Venem is facing the biggest challenge of his young life.

"Jaeger has a brain tumor,” Caden explains, “so I would like to raise money so they can help pay for the hospital bills."

And Caden found his inspiration in another Minnesota youngster facing a monumental challenge. "They were selling bracelets for another hockey player, Jack Jablonski,” said Caden.

So Caden went into the bracelet business. And when his efforts hit Facebook, business exploded.

"I've sold about a thousand bracelets" Caden explained. “I’ve one thousand one hundred dollars.”

"Just a few dollars that have turned into four digits now that are able to help that family," said Caden’s teacher, Maria Olson at Sibley Elementary School in Albert Lea.

But Jaeger's illness has also become a real-life lesson in compassion, sharing and hope.

"We've talked about how it impacts the entire family we do have Jaeger's sister in our class with us," said Olson.

"Josie's my best friend and it's been hard for me, too," said third grader Savanah Quinlivan. "Whenever I go and talk to Josie she's always worried...she's just sad."

"So we try to be tender with how her day is going, how she's feeling, what she needs" added Olson.

“When I heard about his two brain tumors that he has, I wanted to help," said third grader Laura Van Brocklin.

"Shows them not only that we care, but that we're able to and willing to help out just a little bit financially," Olson added.

Caden tells us his bracelets have been sent all over Minnesota, and to at least 4 other states.

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