His teammates call him “Hollywood.”

He’s always been the athletic, gregarious kid who dances in the dugout and spreads the joy.

He’s an 11-year-old who’s always had big plans, big dreams and big smiles. And as he lies in a hospital bed in Rome, Italy, the most important week of his life is upon him.

Down to his last strike, Branson Blevins plans on stepping up to the plate and delivering a Hollywood ending for the ages.

What would you do for your child? Anything, right?

Donald and Nichole Blevins of Robertsdale, Alabama, are young parents — 35 and 31 respectively. Their three wonderful children, Maddox (14), Branson (11) and Magnolia (7) keep them running.

Weeks ago, Donald and Nichole took the family halfway around the world in hopes of saving Branson’s life. Just like you would.

“Branson is the type of kid who lights up a room,” said Donald. “He’s kind and compassionate. He can go somewhere he’s never been before not knowing a soul, and by the end of the day, he’s made friends with everyone.”

“Branson is about anything sports-related,” Nichole told me.

“Branson loves Atlanta Braves baseball and Crimson Tide football. He loves to hunt and fish and enjoys the outdoors,” Nichole added.

That’s why being idle is so difficult for Branson. “Sitting in a hospital room in Italy without air conditioning and WIFI has been difficult for him, but he’s hanging in there,” said Nichole. Said Donald, “He’s a positive kid. He’s trying to see the good in every situation.”

It was last August when they took notice. Donald and Nichole watched as their usually energetic son appeared lethargic. He complained of stomach pain and showed his parents some bruises.

“We took Branson to an urgent care center, and they told us to go to the nearby emergency room,” said Nichole. ER doctors discovered that Branson had an enlarged liver.

To USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile they went.

The news rocked their world.

Donald and Nichole were told the cancer was very aggressive.

“It was Aug. 16 when Branson was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” said Nichole. “Branson immediately was given chemotherapy, and from last August to last November, he responded well.”

“Hollywood” just had to bounce back, for he had football and baseball to play, friends to visit and a family to love.

Then just five months ago, Donald and Nichole were told to keep their son comfortable.

“Branson had a full-blown relapse in January,” said Nichole. “From January to May we were at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

“The cancer ate through the chemo. We signed up for a trial treatment, but it was eventually canceled when it was proven to be ineffective.”

The Blevins were running out of options.

Donald and Nichole expanded their search for treatments from the United States to around the world. Their lives shaken but their faith strong, a hospital in Rome came into their lives.

Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital offered a clinical trial that drew the attention of the Blevins.

“Bambino Gesu translates to ‘Baby Jesus’,” said Nichole. The family hoped a mustard seed would grow into a kingdom of hope and a wonderful family of supporters.

The rollercoaster was back for more.

As the Blevins traveled to Rome with their three kids, they soon learned the clinical trial in Italy was a no-go.

“I tried to stay strong in front of the kids, but there were many days of crying in the shower,” said Nichole.

The Blevins were at a crossroad, but they held onto hope by listening to doctors.

It was an experimental treatment, so experimental in Rome that doctors had to wait for the Italian government to give its approval.

Part of the treatment involved a stem cell transplant. Nichole came closest to a match, so cells from her bone marrow were harvested weeks ago.

Eventually, Branson would be scheduled to undergo a four-day intense, grueling chemo treatment in an effort to depress his immune system before being infused with Nichole’s cells.

Branson’s chemo treatment (lymphodepletion) may start this week pending the government’s approval (hopefully Monday, June 30).

“If all goes well and Branson is strong enough after a spinal tap and a complete work-up, we’re looking for the infusion to take place around July 14th,” said Nichole.

Nichole Blevins rises each morning about 5:30. She’s back in Alabama after taking her other children home.

She will head back to Rome soon to rejoin her husband and her son.

“They allow only one parent at a time to be with Branson,” said Nichole. “While I’m home in Robertsdale, I FaceTime Branson three times a day, my first call being at 6 am so Branson receives the call at 1 p.m. Rome time. I tell him every day I miss him and love him and will see him soon.”Donald Blevins is an early riser. He’s by Branson’s side in Rome, and he admires his son’s resolve.

“I can tell he misses home deeply. He misses his friends and his sports,” said Donald. “He’s had a long journey, and he has gone through and experienced more than many of us will have to face in our lifetimes. Still, Branson continues to push on, fighting every chance he gets.”

The days are long and uncertain for Branson Blevins.

“He has his bad days and misses his friends, but for the most part he is remaining upbeat,” said Nichole. “The outpouring of love from around the world has helped Branson immensely.”

Said Donald, “The days and months Branson has spent in a hospital bed can be very difficult, but he has a huge following and a great group of friends and family back home.”

That outpouring of love has reached all corners of the world.

Days ago, the family received a care package from Branson’s favorite Major League Baseball team. The Atlanta Braves sent Branson signed jerseys from Braves stars Austin Riley and Chris Sale, along with a signed bat from Riley and Ronald Acuna, Jr. Several Crimson Tide football players sent Branson a video, while fundraisers have been hosted by friends and strangers.

It will be another hectic week for Nichole Blevins. She will be taking her son Maddox to off-season football workouts at 6:30 am. Magnolia has swim lessons, while Branson will be waiting on his three daily Facetime calls. Nichole will tell Branson how much she loves him and how she will see him soon. So be it if she has to wait outside his hospital room before it’s her turn to visit.

“Nichole has been our rock, our light in a dark place,” said Donald. “Nichole has shown that she, too, is a fighter and a warrior.”

And Donald? It will be another long week for Branson’s father, as he encourages his son and reminds us that this week could be Branson’s time to shine.

Though half a world away from each other, it is a family that will not be broken.

“Some days are good days, and others are paralyzing and crippling,” Nichole told me. “We are asking for prayers from everyone, for it’s a big week.”The Blevins hope that Monday they get the green light from the Italian government to pursue the infusion treatment that could save Branson’s life. And when that green light arrives?

“We know Branson’s bounce back is going to be amazing, and nothing but a miracle,” said Donald.

It won’t be long before Branson Blevins, down to his last strike, steps to the plate.

Branson plans on delivering a comeback for the ages.

The effervescent 11-year-old will soon dance in the dugout.“Hollywood” will be back.

You can help the Blevins family here: https://gofund.me/a2004ccf Rick Karle, who writes a weekly feature story for AL.com, is a 25-time Emmy winner and a 43-year veteran of broadcast news who has lived and worked in Alabama for 35 years. You can find his work on Facebook at Rick Karle Good News. Send your story suggestions to: [email protected]