Haunted hike benefit set for Baby Javin

(Photo submitted) Grandmother Rhonda Smith and big sister Jill were all smiles when they were allowed to hold baby Javin for the first time in Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Organizers guarantee the hike -- which is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Halloween night -- will be scary.

Set to begin in the rural Dickens garage of Marvin and Rhonda Smith, the baby's maternal grandparents, hikers will proceed through a lit series of twists and turns certain to strike fear in them. Along the way, they'll be greeted by creatures and events featured in the Irvin and Marilyn Stevenson family's haunted house, which has ranked as the scariest campsite two years in a row at the Clay County Conservation Board's annual Halloween Hike at Scharnberg Park.

Baby Javin's story

Born Sept. 9 to parents Amanda Smith and Zach Williamson, Javin was diagnosed with spina bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings, and hydrocephalus, a build up of fluid inside the skull which leads to brain swelling.

Javin underwent his first surgery Sept. 10 to enclose the exposed portion of his spinal cord.

At 1-week-old, a shunt was placed to relieve pressure in Javin's brain and spinal fluids.

Following nine days at home, Javin returned to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls due to complications with his shunt. By Oct. 13, it was removed and a temporary drain was placed on top of his head.

The 6-week-old infant underwent a third surgery on Oct. 22 to place a permanent shunt behind his left ear.

While hopes are that Javin will be allowed to return home in another week or two, his parents know that he will need to undergo additional surgeries and follow-up examinations for the hydrocephalus as he matures.

How can you help?

Besides attending the Saturday, Oct. 31, haunted hike and offering a free-will donation to help defray the family's medical expenses, Grandfather Marvin Smith said aid will be needed the day of the benefit to construct a few of the hike's featured elements. Additional assistance is being sought that night to scare those taking part in the Halloween haunted hike at baby Javin's grandparents' residence.

Groups wanting to visit are asked to call in advance and notify the Smith family of their plans. To volunteer or to receive additional information on the bake sale and haunted hike benefit, leave a message at (712) 836-2237 or email: crazyhorsedj@hotmail.com.

Haunted Halloween Hike Benefit for Baby Javin

When: Saturday, Oct. 31 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Where: Marvin and Rhonda Smith's home

3615 300th Ave.

Dickens, Iowa

(1/2 mile east of Norgaard Sand and Gravel on U.S. Highway 18 and 1/10 mile south)

What: Fun for all ages

(Bake sale items and children's games featured in the garage)