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12/17/2007 03:07 PM
Eric Ryan Family Extends Hand to Help Young Cancer
Patient
December 13, 2007
EllwoodCity.org Staff
 Over
the past few years the Eric Ryan Corporation has made an annual donation to
the Cancer Society or the Make-A-Wish program. Eric Ryan raises the money
by holding a White Elephant Auction during the company’s annual Christmas
outing in December. The White Elephant Auction has each ERC employee
purchase a gift to wrap and be raffled off, other employees around the
office bid on the wrapped present, and the highest bid is put toward Eric
Ryan’s annual donation to the chosen charity.
In November an opportunity presented itself to
ERC individuals and the entire
corporation to have a direct impact on a local baby boy and family who was
in desperate need of monetary donations.
Six month old Gavin Myers, of Ellwood City,
was recently diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, and with
parents Shannon and Richard Myers unable to cover the costs of their child’s
medical prescriptions, contributions were needed for baby Gavin to continue
his battle with the cancer.
Neuroblastoma is a rare form of cancer
affecting the sympathetic nervous system and occurs in infants and young
children. The cancer is found in less than 600 children a year in the
United States.
Eric Ryan and its employees stepped up for
Gavin in his battle and raised approximately $1,700.00 in donations from
staff during the company outing and White Elephant Auction. Eric Ryan made
the formal donation to the Gavin Myers Medical Expenses Fund on Wednesday,
December 12th with Vice President of Finance, Nina Burke,
presenting the donation check to Shannon and Richard.
 “I told
them they haven’t heard the last of us,” CEO Keith Venezie said.
With baby Gavin facing chemotherapy every 21
days for the next 6 to 8 months or longer, Eric Ryan’s donation will be put
to a very good cause in helping the Myers
family, which also includes Madison, 3-year-old sister of Gavin.
Amongst other events held to raise money for
the Gavin Myers Medical Expenses Fund were a Spaghetti Dinner, Chinese Gift
Basket Auction, which both took place at
local businesses. In addition,
another fundraiser will be held at Thanks a Latte and the Creekside Commons,
Friday, December 14th beginning at 7:30pm. The fundraiser with feature
Christmas Caroling along with an appearance by Santa Claus, all with hopes
of gathering donations for baby Gavin Myers.
Further donations or contributions to The Gavin Myers Medical Expenses Fund
can be made at
www.helpbabygavin.org.
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