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Chesterfield community helps plan epic surprise party for terminally ill boy

Posted at 7:25 PM, Nov 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-01 21:16:44-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va. -- The Chesterfield community is coming together to help a very special five-year-old boy celebrate his birthday early.

Little Jayden Hughes was diagnosed two years ago with Neuroblasoma Stage 4 cancer. He had a bone marrow transplant and his right kidney removed.

The family said that last week the doctor told them the cancer is terminal and gave Jayden just a few months to live.

Since Jayden, born on Dec. 14, 2010, may not make it to his sixth birthday, his family came up with a big plan for an early celebration – one of superhero proportions.

“We have planned a huge surprise party, which he is going to be so excited about, I already know -- a super hero theme,” said Jayden`s Aunt Michelle Persell.

Jayden Hughes is getting an early birthday party

Jayden Hughes loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other superheroes

It all started with a post on social media.

After the family was recently told doctors could not do any more for little Jayden, Aunt Michelle hatched a plan to make sure every day is extra sweet and filled with his favorite things.

Persell said that after she posted on social media, hundreds of people reached out with prayers and offers to donate money, cakes, cards, and food -- and superheroes.

Now the Justice League, the Avengers – even Transformers -- have a mission to surprise Jayden.

Jayden Hughes is getting an early birthday party

Jayden Hughes is getting an early birthday party

Persell asked if anyone had costumes to wear and suddenly  Batman, Captain America, Black Widow, Optimus Prime were committed.

Jaden’s birthday party has a bittersweet soundtrack, but one that tells the story of strangers with big hearts who want to make a difference, and let the pint-size hero know he's loved and not fighting alone.

“We're gonna make sure that his last few days, weeks, months or years on this earth are amazing,” Persell said. “The outpouring of love has been amazing.”

Jayden Hughes is getting an early birthday party

Jayden Hughes has terminal cancer

Jayden doesn’t know about the surprise that awaits him, but close to 100 friends and family members are expected to attend his Saturday birthday party.

People are asked to dress as their favorite superhero.

CBS 6 will be at Jayden’s party, and have an updated story.

A GoFundMe is set up to help the family with medical bills.

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