Remembering a winner

He was a 70-year-old trapped inside a little boy’s body. Referred to as "Old Man" by those who knew him best, Jamall El possessed knowledge and interests expected of someone decades older. His love of golf and the 1970s TV show Sanford and Son only validated the nickname.

What’s more, Jamall’s parents were frequently taken aback by the random bits of wisdom that would pass through his lips. It was not uncommon for them to learn a few things from their young son.

He might have been an old soul, but in reality Jamall was still just a child, making his death in September at age 7 all the more tragic.

For two years, Jamall had suffered from neuroblastoma, a debilitating cancer affecting the nerve cells.

As a tribute to the brave little boy, his family has established a fund with the help of the Philadelphia Foundation, a nonprofit public charity.

"We have an ongoing interest in many causes affecting children," said Phil Arkow, marketing and communications officer for the foundation. "In the last few years, we started a number of funds in memory of children that died from neuroblastoma and other critical diseases."

One of those charities is Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund, inspired by 6-year-old Alex Scott. Before her death at age 8 in August, also of neuroblastoma, Scott had aimed to stamp out the disease. Her story gained local and national attention.

While Jamall and Alex were patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, their parents established a bond.

"Nobody else could understand what we were going through," said Jamall’s mother, Stephanie Ruffin, of the 1700 block of South Hollywood Street.

The families are still supporting one another. The Scotts have authorized a contribution from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund to help launch the Hugs for Jamall Fund.

Ruffin, 27, proposed the charity, which will support research to find cures for pediatric cancer and also will serve as a fundraiser for golf scholarships — a cause Jamall would no doubt endorse.

When Jamall became sick two-and-a-half years ago, he developed a number of symptoms, including a persistent fever. More extensive tests revealed the child’s true illness.

Ruffin could only muster one word to describe hearing the diagnosis in April 2002: devastation.

Jamall was diagnosed only three days before his fifth birthday.

After undergoing courses of chemotherapy and radiation at CHOP, Jamall had two rounds of stem-cell transplants in the fall of 2002. While he would respond to the treatment, it did not stabilize his condition, said his mother.

Jamall was isolated for a month during his stem-cell transplants and was allowed only limited visits due to his immuno-suppressed condition, Ruffin said.

Even Jamall’s favorite stuffed dog, "Fat Dude," had to be enclosed in a plastic bag to protect the boy from germs.

Ruffin and her husband, Jamal El, decided to have their son home-schooled in between his treatments. Jamall had attended F. Amedee Bregy Elementary, 17th and Bigler streets, for kindergarten and a month of first grade. In 2003, a teacher from the school district regularly visited the family’s house.

Ruffin also tried to accommodate Jamall by feeding him organic juices, fruits and vegetables in hopes of treating his cancer.

No matter the effects or success of his medical treatments, Jamall stayed in good spirits. His attitude had a therapeutic effect on those around him, Ruffin said.

"During treatments, he helped me while I was going off the deep end," she said.

Ruffin said Jamall was forced to mature very quickly: One minute he was playing with toys and the next, he knew the names of his doctors and medication.

Though he felt lethargic at times, the pint-sized powerhouse was still determined to pick up a club and play 18 holes, both on miniature and standard courses.

"Golf was his passion," Ruffin said.

Calling himself the next Tiger Woods, Jamall would hit the green in between treatments.

"He would be knocked out, but once we’d leave, he’d say, ‘Let’s go play golf,’" said Ruffin, a technician at Presbyterian Medical Center of Philadelphia.

Jamall’s love of the sport led him to win a Junior Championship miniature golf tournament this past summer. His little trophy is proudly showcased in his bedroom, which has remained largely untouched since his death.

The boy’s 12-year-old cousin, Zay, is the only person Ruffin will let sleep in the room.

The mother acknowledged that the pain of Jamall’s long illness and death has tested her ability to cope.

"I try to stay strong on the outside, but on the inside, it’s like I’m breaking down," she said. "I’m able to deal with it, but it doesn’t get any easier."

Ruffin finds happiness and comfort in her 16-month-old son, Jalen, as well as a supportive family and, now, the Hugs for Jamall Fund.

She views the charity as a fitting legacy for her son and an opportunity for the family to do something positive.

"I feel I can help other children fight the disease and help find a cure," she said. "On the other end, it gives kids a chance to play the sport they love to play."

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To support the Hugs for Jamall Fund, send checks to The Philadelphia Foundation, 1234 Market St., Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19107 or donate online at www.philafound.org.