Durham father calls on community to create experiences for son battling brain cancer

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Just two days after his fourth birthday last December, Onyx Williams was diagnosed with high-grade glioma, which is a rare and aggressive cancerous brain tumor.

You wouldn't know of the illness based on his appearance because he is your typical 4-year-old who loves to play with his toys.

"I want him to remain a child. We want him to remain a kid. We don't want him to be bogged down now. He's 4 years old and has no concept of his own mortality. I want to keep it that way," said Raheem Williams, who is Onyx's dad.

Doctors removed most of the tumor at the time. Onyx endured radiation treatment five times a week as it was supposed to help shrink the rest of it. In October of this year, doctors found two more tumors on his brain. They told his family that if a second round of radiation treatment doesn't take, they could lose him within months.

"I remember when he was born. It felt like God shined on me. I love my son so much," he said.

While it's been difficult to watch the child take on this battle, his mother said she's reminded of the meaning of his name.

"Onyx is a strong gemstone. It absorbs negativity," said Majonica Thompson.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation flew the family out to California so Onyx could meet Blippi.

Williams is now using his platform as a rapper known as Jooselord to seek support from the community. He's issued a call on social media to help create experiences for his son before time runs out. He's even started an online fundraiser.

"It's like wow, all this love I put out," he said. "They actually love me back."