WASHINGTON, Il. - The community of Washington, IL is shining a bright light on one of it's youngest members - make that a lot of bright lights!

For the past 18 months, 2-and-a-half year old Dax Locke has been figting a losing battle against a rare form of leukemia. In a show of silent support, his neighborhood is asking you to Take Action for Dax this holiday season.

"He really likes lights, that's where this all started," said Dax's mom Julie Locke.

Neighbor Marc Hurtgen said "When they realized how little time they had, they decided to celebrate each day like it was Christmas."

Because now, every day is precious.

"We don't have much time left with Dax, don't know if he will make it to Christmas so we wanted to have Christmas early," Dax's mom said.

Dax spent his past holidays in a hospital bed at St. Jude Children's Research hospital in Memphis. Now that he's home, his neighbors are pulling out all the stops to give Dax a Christmas this community will never forget.

"It's neat to see how everyone pulled together to support Julie, Austin and Dax... all about supporting them," said neighbor Marc Hurtgen.

In the last five days, one by one, Dax's neighbors are putting up their red and green finery and stringing up lights by the thousands. The message is already spreading beyond Dax's neighborhood, through the website decoratefordax.com

"You can submit your pictures online to be posted," Dax's mom said. "We're making a book for Dax to look at lights."

As we move into the season of giving and thanks, Dax's family is asking you to spread his light and his story to your neighborhood. And to remember those who won't be spending the holidays at home with their families.

Neighbor Marc Hurtgen says "It's important you put your lights up because we want your neighbors to ask why, then tell them what St. Jude has done for Dax."
 
"I would just really like it if people would donate to St. Jude," said Dax's mom."That would mean the most to us this Christmas."

You can Take Action for Dax by submiting pictures at decoratefordax.com.