Local 19 hangs banner to show support for boy battling cancer at CHOP

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - Local union workers showed their support for a boy battling cancer at CHOP. They hung a sign that reads in part, 'KEEP UP THE FIGHT CHRIS!!!'

Little Chris Milecki loves to build things. It's no surprise the cutie also enjoys watching all the construction going on outside his hospital room window at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

It's a welcome distraction as the 19-month-old battles acute myeloid leukemia.

"We all have sensitive hearts. We all have kids at home," John Barzeski said.

The Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 learned about the toddler's battle with cancer through a fellow union member who is a family friend.

The building tradesmen and women showed their support by putting up a big banner on the side of the Penn First Project right across the street from CHOP.

It has been extremely tough after he was diagnosed on Valentine's Day just one week after his little brother Maxwell was born.

CHOP helped to make some special medical arrangements so Chris' dad, Mark, could bring him out to see the banner for himself.

There was another amazing gesture after a union carpenter surprised the family on Monday with a $4,000 check towards Chris' medical expenses.

"32 years in the building trade, it's one of the most generous things I've ever seen anybody do," Barzeski said.