Longtime Local Children’s Performer Battling Cancer, Expected To Postpone Summer Events

The longest running children’s performer at the Fresno County Public Library is taking a hiatus to focus on his health. 65-year old Oklin Bloodworth told us he’s battling cancer, so he will not be performing anytime soon at the library, Fashion Fair mall, or Fresno Chaffee Zoo, as he normally does during the summertime.

Oklin has been singing and performing in front of children for more than 30 years.

"I started off with a song called, "I’ll Never Kiss a Crocodile", and that song when it went to Buena Vista, I went there, I sang one week with the kids, and the next week I changed it, and I came back and the kids just went right along with it," said Oklin.

"The kids are all the same. I don’t care what age they are, when they come to the library, they change. It’s almost a safe place for them to learn about anything," said Oklin.

But earlier this year, Oklin had to take a hiatus.

He said, "I think in February I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage 2 T-cell."

Oklin said the cancer has taken the energy he needs to perform. He holds on to only hope, that he will return soon.

Kari Johnson is the youth services coordinator for Fresno County Public Library.

"His programs really expose children to music and I think it really helps them love music and they love the performance," said Johnson.

She said everyone’s heart broke when she heard about Oklin’s health issues. Johnson said, "We decided that we would go on and schedule the program as is. And just take it day by day to see how he was feeling."

That support and love is what Oklin said is helping him get through.

"Each day I realize is an opportunity to continue. This is the beginning of your life, this is the end of your life. What do you do in between?" asked Oklin.

Oklin was hospitalized the last three weeks because he was suffering bad side effects from the chemotherapy. He has completed his cancer treatment and will now follow up with his doctor.