WAYLAND, Mich. – The Wayland and Hopkins communities are raising money to help a little boy who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
Four-year-old Dawson Babiak is fighting leukemia with his family by his side at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. His parents are both teachers, Alison Babiak a teacher at Wayland Middle School and Jason Babiak a Hopkins High School teacher.
The staff members organized a fundraiser set for the first varsity basketball game between the Wayland and Hopkins High Schools at Wayland Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m.
Dawson is in the prayers of many people. His parents post updates to loved ones on his Facebook page called Prayers for Dawson. Wayland High School student council advisor and business teacher Nicki Cardosa is helping to organize this fundraiser for Dawson.
Cardosa told FOX17 that the first varsity basketball game of the season on Dec. 8 will be an "orange out," the color of a local childhood leukemia organization.
Cardosa said admission will be free, but they will collect donations at the door. Along with individual schools’ fundraisers, students and staff are working to raise as much money as possible for the Babiaks.
“The hope with the game is that our two communities can come together to support a wonderful family,” said Cardosa.
“So far, from our school, we're probably at about $300 to $400. In previous charity (events) we have done, we've been able to raise anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the night. We'll hopefully be able to do something really nice for an amazing family in our area."
The schools will present checks for the family at this game, Cardosa said.
The Vikings versus Wildcats game will be at Wayland High School around 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9.
