During the last weeks of school, most students eagerly countdown the remaining days until summer vacation. But Pyle sixth grader Jaiwen Hsu has been counting the days until he can return to the classroom.

Hsu visited his classmates at Pyle May 16 for the first time since January, when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

Last October, Hsu came home limping from soccer practice. When his parents took him to the doctor, they discovered the abnormality in his leg.

Ever since that first doctor’s appointment, Hsu has walked on crutches. Doctors removed part of Hsu’s femur after he went through 10 weeks of chemotherapy and gave Hsu a prosthesis for the missing bone section, which will expand as his leg grows.

Five of Hsu’s best friends organized a June 16 bowling fundraiser, “Strike! Out Children’s Cancer,” in his honor at the Bethesda Naval Bowling Center. The money raised will go towards cancer research at Children’s National Medical Center and families who can’t afford cancer treatment.

Pyle sixth graders Ari Neugeboren, Jason Grill, Ezra Pine, Daniel Strauss and Josh Steighner have raised almost $12,000 dollars through the fundraiser’s website and hope to meet their goal of $15,000 dollars.

“When we found out Jaiwen had cancer, all we wanted to do was help,” Neugeboren said.

For the fundraiser, participants can form bowling teams and dress up in costumes, or they can attend as “cheerleaders” to watch and donate money. Up to 200 people can bowl at the fundraiser. Prizes will be awarded for best team name, best costume and most money raised.

Hsu’s family has also been helping him in his recovery. Jaimie (’10) and Kailin (’08) Hsu both attend the University of Maryland at College Park but return home on weekends to spend more time with their younger brother. His mother, Jeng Hsu, quit her job in order to take of him, and sophomore Kaiwei Hsu has grown more independent while her mother takes care of her brother.

Hsu’s family appreciates the support from friends, such as those who organized the bowling fundraiser.

“He can’t believe his friends are doing this for him,” Jeng Hsu said. “He was so moved when he found out. It has made him realize how lucky he is to have such good friends and how important friendship is.”

For now, Hsu is going through physical therapy, which takes up most of his strength. The overwhelming support from his friends is helping Hsu find the strength and courage to recover as he learns how to walk again.

Until the end of August, Hsu will continue chemotherapy and hopes to return to school in the fall.

“Jaiwen’s cancer has changed all of us,” Jeng Hsu said. ”It has given us new perspectives on life and made us better people. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from old friends and new friends. We can’t wait to see everyone at the bowling event.”

The bowling fundraiser for Hsu, “Strike! Out Children’s Cancer,” will be held at the Bethesda Naval Bowling Center June 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. All are welcome at the event. For more information and to sign up, please visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/CNMC/Event/strike-out-childrens-cancer