By SUSAN BERG

Managing editor

To say the Tim Hurst family of Hillsboro has a new lease on life would be an understatement.

Tim and Ginger’s 15-year-old son, Thane Hurst, was diagnosed in May with a rare form of slow-growing, non-malignant cancer — and now he is tumor-free.

The Hillsboro High School sophomore had a second surgery Aug. 7 in Baltimore where doctors were able to remove all of the tumors that were wrapped around his spinal cord.

“This is so much different than the first surgery,” Ginger said.

In the first surgery in May, doctors weren’t sure at that point what kind of tumors Thane had and how to treat them. A 15-inch incision was made and the backs of several vertebrae were cut. Following the surgery and a weeklong stay in a Wichita hospital, the teen had to wear a neck and torso brace for several weeks.

The second surgery was less invasive — making a shorter incision and not disturbing vertebrae. Thane was able to spend time with his family in their motel room a few days after the surgery. No braces are needed, so Thane’s recovery time will be dramatically shortened.

Even though he has missed the first week or so of school, Thane probably will begin school next week.

Physical therapy will strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, assisting in the healing process.

A benefit golf tournament was held at Hillsboro Municipal Golf Course and collection containers are in businesses in Hillsboro, Peabody, and Marion to assist the Peabody natives with expenses.

Even though Thane is on the road to recovery, the family still has expenses from time away from jobs and their trip to Baltimore.

A chicken soup and chili supper will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Hillsboro Scout House, and is sponsored by members of the Marion/Morris County chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Life is getting back to normal for the Hurst family and the future again looks bright. “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s generosity,” Ginger said. “It’s been a tremendous help to us.”