Barbara Hickey comforted Ethan (R), who is fighting a malignant brain tumor, while pediatric oncology nurse Suzanne Rose prepared to give him chemotherapy last month at Massachusetts General Hospital. Waiting and playing nearby were (from left) Cory Daly, Nickolas Daly, Shane Hickey, and Markie Hickey. (Globe Staff Photo / Suzanne Kreiter) Globe Staff Photo / Suzanne Kreiter

Their brother's keepers

A chance meeting on a baseball field three years ago brought together a blended family of five boys who share a love of card games, laughter, and the hard-won wisdom that health is precious. For Ethan Hickey, 6, who battles a malignant brain tumor, that means a cancer support group like few others.

By Patricia Wen

Globe Staff / March 13, 2005

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When Ethan Hickey, 6, weakens in his battle against a malignant brain tumor, when he leans his bald head into his mother's body, saying, ''I'm tired," the four other boys in his family rally. Sometimes they lower their voices to give Ethan some quiet. Sometimes they start singing. Other times, Shane, 7, nudges the family comedian saying, ''Make him laugh." (Full article: 1559 words)