By Staff
Fredie Carmichael / The Meridian Star
June 2, 2002
A four-year-old Meridian boy has lost his struggle against cancer. Johnathan Andrew Mars died Friday at his home in Meridian after battling the disease for more than three years.
Johnathan was diagnosed with a tumorous form of cancer called rabdomysarcoma on his first birthday.
After a year of chemotherapy, radiation and several surgeries, he was in remission for two years before it resurfaced earlier this year.
Johnathan is survived by his parents, Andy and Robin Mars, and his brother, Josh.
The Meridian community has rallied behind the Mars family on many occasions, to raise money for the Johnathan Andrew Mars Cancer Fund at Community Bank. Most recently, a local yard sale was held at a Meridian home and Johnathan's Day was held at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center.
Last year, the Make A Wish Foundation sent Johnathan and his family on a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
Those who knew him said Johnathan was a special child who will be missed. See page A9 for funeral arrangements.