As a part of the Hendersonville Police Department for a total of twenty-three years, Jim Bachman, a detective, is used to solving cases. When his 9-year-old son, Liam, began exhibiting troubling symptoms including leg pain and swelling, he knew this mystery was outside of his expertise.

A visit to Liam’s pediatrician led to a visit to Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance (TOA), which led to an X-ray, a visit to Vanderbilt, and a frightening diagnosis in late May 2023 of Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer which most often occurs in the longer bones making up the arms and legs. 

The news was troubling for Jim and their family. “As parents we want to protect our kids, so it was difficult, especially because my job is to fix things and help people, and I felt like I couldn’t do that for my son,” Jim describes.

A single father of four children ranging in age from 9 to14, Jim wasn’t sure how he could afford to take time off from the off-duty job he works on weekends to make ends meet, pay for the expenses incurred by cancer treatment that are not covered by insurance, and manage the logistics involved in being there for him every step of the way. 

Little did Jim know that he wasn’t going to have to do it alone. What happened next was the epitome of what is best about small communities— they hold each other up.

Upon hearing the news, the school community at Nannie Berry Elementary reached out to help. Liam’s reading teacher, Kara Schmitz, immediately started a GoFundMe that has raised $12,290 to date. Ms. Schmitz did not hesitate to help when she found out the news. She said, “To know Liam is to love him. He's just one of those kids. I've worked with him the last two years, and he is not only one of the hardest workers that I've ever had, but he is just a kind, respectful young man.”

After reading about Liam’s status on social media, Jim’s neighbor, Nancy Wilson, called him immediately and asked, “What can I do?” While Jim’s answer of, “Just pray,” was certainly something Ms. Wilson could and did do, she felt compelled to do more. Ms. Wilson reached out to Dilya Knight, owner of Jolly Ollie’s Pizza & Pub, to ask if she would host a fundraiser for the Bachman’s. Ms. Knight agreed without hesitation to sponsor a fundraiser that was held on August 1, donating a percentage of sales directly to the Bachman family.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Once a ball begins to roll, it picks up speed.

Nicole Fedorchek, owner of Bruster’s Ice Cream, reached out to Nancy Wilson with her own idea for a fundraiser, in addition to Zaxby’s, who did the same. The owner of Mr. GoodRoof is currently donating $1,000 per month until December directly to the Bachman’s, and local eatery, Edit, created a drink they named, “Be the Light,” in honor of Liam which can be ordered with or without alcohol. All proceeds from sales of the drink until August 26 will be donated to the family. 

In addition to the businesses that have contributed, community members have dropped off checks and donated via Venmo and GoFundme on behalf of Liam.

Beyond monetary support, neighbors, friends, and total strangers have checked in on the Bachman family, while teachers, including Kara Schmitz, have visited with Liam, gifting him with books and stuffed animals to lift his spirits. “I'm really amazed at how people have just come together and that they're actually excited to do this,” noted Ms. Wilson.

For Jim Bachman, the support that he and Liam have received has been nothing short of miraculous. “I know there are good people out there, but because of my line of work, I'm not used to people who are willing to help without an ulterior motive. This experience has helped to change that for me,” said Jim.

As for Liam, he’s just about to begin his third cycle of chemotherapy at Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carroll Junior Children’s Hospital and will undergo a six-hour surgery in late August to remove his femur and replace it with a donor’s. After the surgery, Liam will begin a six-month chemotherapy regimen. There is an incredibly long road ahead of him.

Despite all that he has endured since his diagnosis, Liam remains in good spirits. He was able to attend the fundraiser held at Jolly Ollie’s and appeared to enjoy himself thoroughly. “Little Liam had the biggest smile on his face that night. I think he felt like he was a star because everyone was coming up to see him. It was just beautiful. He said to his dad, ‘I didn't know so many people loved me,” said Nancy Wilson. 

And they do, Liam. They really do.

You can donate using Gofundme or by sending a Venmo directly to Jim Bachman’s account: @James-Bachman-19.

For businesses interested in sponsoring a fundraiser, please contact Nancy Wilson at 615-394-9951.