FREWSBURG – A can drive to raise money to cover medical expenses for a local teen who is battling an aggressive form of cancer brought hundreds together Saturday afternoon in Frewsburg.
Frewsburg native Brendon Edwards, 14, was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer last month.
Edwards’ stepmother, Crystal Gruber, says she is very grateful for the community’s support.
“I just want to say thank you again to everybody for the donations, prayers, everything,” said Gruber. “I can’t express how much it actually means to us to have this happen.”
Edwards is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments every two weeks. The teen says he relies on support from his friends and family to keep him going.
“It’s hard, it’s a lot,” said Edwards. “I’m grateful for it (his friends’ support) and very thankful.”
As of one Saturday, three trucks were filled with donated cans. Arthur R. Gren Co, a distributor and redemption center in Jamestown, will process the thousands of recyclables. The group says they will be paying the Edwards’s family seven cents for every one can.
The can drive was setup by the Frewsburg Youth Football team, Belinda Westerdhal, with help from the wrestling team.
“We sent varsity wrestlers today with little wrestlers around the community to knock on doors and collect cans,” said family friend Alicia Raymond. “The kids have been super helpful today, the community has been great.”
Previously, Raymond setup a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.
Edwards is the oldest of four siblings. He enjoys sports, school and doing chores on his family’s farm.
Raymond says the Edwards family is currently a one income household and every donation, big or small, helps.
Next month, on Sunday, December 8, a benefit for Edwards will be held at the Frewsburg Fireman’s Ground, from noon until 5 p.m.
A Chinese auction, 50/50 drawing, bake sale, face painting and entertainment will be available. The fee is $5 per-person.
Leave a Reply