The Wiscasset community is pulling together to raise money for Cainin Griffin, a Wiscasset Middle School eighth grader who was recently diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Griffin started his third round of chemotherapy Jan. 14 at the Barbara Bush Medical Center, at Maine Medical Center in Portland and has so far responded well to treatment, said WMS secretary Stacey Souza.
“His levels are maintaining, which is good news,” she said.
A number of fundraisers have already taken place, including the selling of 400 red leukemia bracelets and an additional 400 green bracelets chosen, said Souza, because Griffin, a basketball player for the school, is a “huge” fan of the Boston Celtics.
The bracelets, priced at $1 each, sold out in two days raising a total of $800.
According to medical studies, the form of leukemia Griffin is battling has an overall cure rate of 80 percent. While that is good news for the long term, the treatment is costly and the money raised from the various fundraisers will go directly toward helping the family with medical bills.
A holiday auction netted $1175 and a “Chain of Love” effort has been started at the school where students can pay $.50 for a piece of construction paper in which they write a personal message to Griffin.
When completed, the “Chain of Love” will be delivered to Griffin’s hospital room.
Currently, the construction paper chain is hanging in the WMS, said Souza, an impressive example of fellow students pulling together to support one of their own.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the community both here at the school, and in town,” said Souza.
Future fundraising efforts include a seventh and eighth grade dance on Fri., Jan. 28, and Sat., Feb. 5, during the annual Winter Carnival held by the Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Dept.
Proceeds from both events will be split evenly with half going directly towards Griffin’s medical bills and the other toward leukemia research.
The Fri., Jan. 21 basketball game between Wiscasset High School and Madison High has officially been declared “Cainin Night,” with a 50-50 raffle to further benefit Griffin.
In addition, an account has been opened at The First, N.A. bank for individuals looking to donate directly.
“It’s great to see so much support from everybody during this trying time for Cainin and his family,” said Souza.
For more information or to donate please contact The First, N.A. bank at 882-9515 or Suzanne Souza at 882-7767.
