A Pass Christian mother is using grief over her son’s death to fight for more research into cancers that strike children. Now Wendy Allen’s efforts are being aided by Long Beach dentist Sheila L. Farley.

Allen’s 15-year-old-son, Timothy Lynn, died April 12 of acute lymphocytic leukemia after a nine-month battle that cost almost $2.5 million for treatment.

“We need more research and to have the money that is allotted for research trickle down so no child and no parent have to go through what we did,” Allen said. “Where is all the money for research going? Is it more profitable to treat children than cure them?”

Although Allen asks nothing for herself, Farley was moved by a letter the grieving mother wrote to the Sun Herald imploring readers to contact congressional representatives to demand more money for cancer research.

“I have four children and can’t imagine going through what she’s going through,” Farley said. “I saw her letter and her son’s obituary, and that inspired me to do what I can for her and her family. It’s a small gesture, a gift I can give, and I’m thankful I can do it.”

The small gesture will be a full day of dental care from which all proceeds will be given to Allen to help with expenses incurred during her son’s illness and death. The dental clinic on East Railroad Avenue in Long Beach will be open Saturday, July 11, for as many patients as can be seen.

“My husband, Richard, and I discussed it and decided it’s what we want to do,” Farley said. “I asked Wendy before I proceeded, and I heard the thankfulness in her voice. She’s not a person feeling sorry for herself or carrying a chip on her shoulder.”

Allen, her 13-year-old-son, Tyler Lynn, and his best friend will be at the dental clinic to talk with visitors. Farley encourages those not wanting dental care to come by to visit and have coffee with the family.

“Children are our future,” Farley said. “I agree with Wendy that we should be proactive and take any avenue we can toward cures for childhood cancers.”

Timothy died at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans where Allen knew of seven other young people dying during her son’s nine months of treatment. She doesn’t fault the care he received there.

“They were wonderful and are still calling to check on me,” she said. “We need more research so there will be better options for treatment, options that aren’t so painful.”

She recalls the heart-wrenching decisions that had to be made regarding chemotherapy. Some of the therapy caused brain damage that left her son unable to move.

“I’ve sent letters and e-mails to members of Congress and had no response,” Allen said. “I’m willing to meet with them and testify about what we went through and what I observed with other families. Too many kids are dying. You never think you will face that when your baby is born. I want people to have a face of leukemia, and it can be my son.”