Braxton Sailas, a 10-month-old from Ha'iku, has been placed into an induced coma after being diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia and lung infection while being treated at the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children on O'ahu.

According to the baby's mother, Ashley Souza, Braxton hasn't smiled for more than a month now.

"Right now, he's not doing so well," Souza told The Maui News in a telephone interview from Honolulu.

Braxton and his family were named one of the recipients of a fundraising event sponsored by Brian Yoshikawa of Maui Sporting Goods. A fishing tournament held on Father's Day raised $3,750 for Braxton, his mother, and his father, Axton Sailas of Maui.

Another young cancer patient, 7-year-old Jacquline Wenzler-Steves of Ha'iku, also received $3,750 from the tourney proceeds. Another $14,000 raised from the event was donated to the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit based on O'ahu that helps families with young cancer patients meet expenses not covered by insurance.

Souza said the family decided to set its money aside for emergency purposes for the baby.

"I don't like to say it, but it might end up paying for a funeral," she said.

Braxton was born prematurely on Aug. 14, 2006, after his mother was medevaced to Kapi'olani with pregnancy complications. Souza said Braxton was diagnosed with various developmental delays shortly after his birth.

His tumors were diagnosed when he was 5 months old in January. Until the tumor discovery, Souza said, Braxton appeared to be thriving and was beginning to babble like most babies his age.

"He has his happy moments," she said.

Braxton underwent surgery for the brain tumors in March on O'ahu. From all accounts, the surgery was successful, but doctors still prescribed six chemotherapy treatments, which were halted after just two treatments when Braxton fell ill in April.

Souza said the induced coma went into effect last Friday, with his latest prognosis being poor.

"I've had my fair share of crying," Souza said Thursday. "I'm just taking it day by day now."

Axton Sailas is employed as a field worker at a slaughterhouse in Ha'iku. He has been traveling back and forth between O'ahu to visit his son and his job in Ha'iku for work.

Souza has another child, Kimberly-Ann, who is 2 years old and being cared for by family on Maui.

She said the family has few resources and has had to rely on support from the Maui community as well as the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House on Oahu for housing and other needs.

"We really appreciate people helping us. It just makes me cry," Souza said.

To assist the family, call Souza at (808) 268-2865 or send donations to: 1970 Judd Hillside, Honolulu, HI 96822. Letters can be addressed to Ashley Souza.