COBDEN — A 23-year-old Cobden man just finished his sixth chemotherapy treatment in Ottawa – which means he is halfway through all of his treatments. It’s expected by Christmas the treatments will be completed.
However, that doesn’t mean he’s healed. Ryan Boothby will then find out in early January if he requires radiation treatments, which means daily trips to Ottawa.
Each trip to Ottawa can cost as much as $50, said Tracy Martin, Ryan’s aunt.
Since finding out he has Hodgkin Disease, a type of lymphoma, Ms. Martin knew he would need financial help since he doesn’t have a medical plan or a sick plan to help cover the costs. He also had to quit his job with Bonnechere Excavating, although has been told he’ll have a job to come back to when he’s better.
The fundraiser is this Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Cobden Agricultural Hall. Ms Martin said there will be a variety of events throughout the evening, including a toonie toss, live auction, ticket draws for various donated prizes and a 50/50 draw. There will also be a light lunch served later in the night.
Limit, whose band members are Glenn Desjardine, Scott Cameron and Steve Panke, with guest performer Steve Agnew, will provide the evening’s entertainment.
Ms. Martin is excited for the live auction, noting she has a few “really nice” donated auction items, including a Husquvarna chain saw, a one-night stay at Calabogie Lodge and a man’s dress-up watch from Wallace Jewellers.
“And, I don’t even have everything yet,” she said.
The community is coming together in raising money for Ryan, she said.
“I’m hoping we raise about $5,000,” Ms. Martin said.
Ms. Martin said she’s sort of surprised how giving the area is in donating prizes and purchasing tickets – and not because it’s not a giving community.
Thirty-one years ago, Ms. Martin had Hodgkin Disease and there were fundraisers to help her parents with the expenses.
“I grew up hearing my parents talking about how appreciative they were of the fundraisers held for me,” she said. “And today, it’s the same community giving now as when I had it 31 years ago.”
The fundraiser is Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Cobden Agricultural Hall. Tickets are $5 each.
Ms. Martin said depending on how Ryan feels, he’s hoping to attend the event, even it just for a short while.
