#AdynStrong Fundraiser to benefit Cape boy
After one local business heard about a 7-year-old Cape Coral boy battling leukemia, which is spreading, the urgency to put together a fundraiser to help raise money for the family has resulted in an event this weekend.
#AdynStrong Fundraiser will be held from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers.
Jen Whyte, co-owner of Fort Myers Brewing Company, said she worked with another family in the past, whose daughter had been diagnosed with cancer, by holding a fundraiser for them. After she saw information posted regarding Adyn Pickett through the family she had once worked with, she reached out to them.
“When I realized he was from the Cape, I immediately reached out to her and said we need to do something for this family. It’s as organic as it can get,” Whyte said. “No kid should be fighting cancer and no family should have to think about how they are going to pay for even their normal everyday bills while their kid is fighting cancer. We have a general rule that if we are hosting a fundraiser for something that is local, and has an immediate need, we are going to jump in and we are going to donate 100 percent of the proceeds.’
Adyn was first diagnosed with leukemia at 4 years old, and then again at 6. His treatments have included multiple rounds of chemotherapy, transfusions, as well as a bone marrow transplant, made possible when his younger sister was a donor match. The family learned this summer that the leukemia has returned. Adyn has already again had several chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
The fundraiser will feature food trucks and live music, as well as raffles and auction items. Some of the items includes two tickets for a dinner show at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and gift certificates for photography sessions and local restaurants. In addition, donation buckets will be located at Fort Myers Brewing Company.
For those who cannot make the event, but would like to make a donation, Whyte said a GoFundMe account has been set up. The information will be posted on the Fort Myers Brewing Company Face-book page: www/Facebook.com/ FMBrew.
Whyte said all of the musicians have donated their time for the event.
“We are going to do everything we can to raise money for the family. One hundred percent of the profit from our beer sales we are donating to the family. It’s one of those things. You give a little more than what you even think you can. You end up getting more. It’s a very humbling experience to be able to give back like that,” she said. “No family should have to watch their little kids fight for their lives. Anything we can do to help make that a little easier for them is important to us.”
For additional information, visit Facebook.com/FMBrew or call 239-313-6576.