Our neighbor, Camron Cozzi, 15, of Bonney Lake WA, was diagnosed with a rare form of Brain cancer, called DIPG on Dec 22nd. Only 300-400 kids get it each year and it is 100% fatal since it is inoperable (it wraps around the primitive brain stem and infuses) They gave him about 2 months to live with no radiation treatment and about 9 months to live WITH radiation treatment. Obviously they chose 30 days of radiation treatment, it is a one-time thing and only slows down the growth of the cancer. He is flying to Germany for some experimental Immunotherapy when they return from a Make A Wish trip next week.
Our community came together and it is incredible how everyone reacted forming "Team Camron" and Angel WIngs foundation assisted in Cam's story here where you can donate-->
https://awfdonate.org/wings-of-love/team-cozziHere is a local news story about Cam and what his family are going through.
http://q13fox.com/2016/03/02/local-boy-bravely-fighting-rare-brain-cancer-inspires-community/We had a $100/plate dinner/auction last week-end at the State Fair grounds. It raised an incredible $313,000 for Cam's medical bills and upcoming experimental treatment!
Since we're very close to Cam and his family, I made it a priority to create a slide show/video presentation to show at the 300+ attendee Dinner/Auction and had it blessed by the Cozzi family. It was really difficult to put this together for someone still living, especially someone so close to us over the years (Their kids both have played on the same teams as our kids in Football and Lacrosse) It was well received by dinner guests at the Auction.
What amazed me is the generosity of our community, there were items that auctioned at $5000 and $7700 that were immediately "Donated back" and re-auctioned immediately! Incredible kindness and I'm proud to say this is my community.
I am sharing with you this video but only watch it if you have 9 mins to spare. The video is broke up into 3 sections, Cam growing up, Cam in his favorite sport Lacrosse, and Cam's treatment and community coming together! I think it's natural as human beings to come together in times of crisis.
Password is Camron