ARTFUL EVENT TO BENEFIT SICK CHILD.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

Candi Ferguson knew nothing about the boy, except that he was 3 years old and had cancer.

She also learned the boy's parents were desperately struggling to spend crucial moments with their child, while coping with finances, deadlines and jobs.

"You don't need to know somebody to know that they need help," said Ferguson, who heard about young Joshua Hauke last week. It was shortly before Joshua's parents were leaving for a trip across the country hoping to find a cure for their child.

For Ferguson, the scenario hit close to home. Eight years ago, the Simi Valley woman gave birth to twin girls, one of whom had health problems.

"I know what it feels like to almost lose a child," Ferguson said. "I know the pain they must be going through and I know the importance of needing to spend every minute with your child. But when you're worried about finances, you can't do that - plain and simple."

So Ferguson decided to help.

As the vice president of the Simi Valley Art Association, Ferguson went to the association's board members, asking them for help.

"Before I could even finish, they decided to adopt Joshua," Ferguson said.

That meant days of voluntary planning, fund raising and publicity.

"I believe that if you're capable of helping others, then it's your responsibility," Ferguson said.

The first major fund-raising event for Joshua will take place next weekend at the Art Stop in Simi Valley, where dozens of novice and professional artists will gather for a 24-hour paint-athon.

"This will only be the first," Ferguson said. "We're planning on having at least two more for Joshua."

As of Thursday, 25 artists had signed up to participate in the two-day event, scheduled for Saturday and March 31. More than $1,000 already has been raised in pledges.

"Joshua's parents deserve the support," Ferguson said. "They shouldn't have to worry about money, on top of everything else."

Doctors told Chad and Tammy Hauke their son had a tumor on his brain stem shortly after Joshua's first birthday. Since then, Joshua has gone through more than a year of chemotherapy and four separate operations to remove the tumor.

While the surgeries have chipped away at the once golf-ball-size brain tumor, nerve damage from the surgeries has left Joshua with some physical handicaps, his parents said. Joshua's most recent surgery in January has left him unable to walk.

More than a week ago, the couple traveled with Joshua to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where the boy was scheduled to undergo treatment and be given an experimental drug.

But after tests, the Haukes learned that Joshua didn't qualify because his last surgery left the tumor undetectable.

Chad and Tammy Hauke said the hardest part has been dealing with disappointment after disappointment, and worrying about what their next step will be.

"I don't know her (Candi), but I'm grateful," said Chad Hauke, 27. "When you have help on your side, it makes you feel more secure, makes you stronger - like you're not alone."

Paint-a-Thon

The 24-hour Paint-a-Thon for Joshua Hauke is scheduled from 9 a.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. March 31. The event will take place at the Art Stop, 995 E. Los Angeles Ave., behind Kountry Folks Restaurant. Artists who wish to participate may sign up any time before the event by calling Candi Ferguson at 578-9343. Participants also may sign up during the event, and will be asked to donate a small fee for art space.

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Photo (color) Candi Ferguson of the Simi Valley Art Association has organized a paint-athon to help the Hauke Family cover medical expenses. Dusty Locke/Special to the Daily News Box Paint-a-Thon (see text)