Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

When a devastating illness strikes a family, in addition to the obvious effect of the illness itself, they often incur unforeseen expenses. That’s why a group of citizens have come together to raise money for the family of Boston Schwamberger, the three-year-old son of Ashley and Joe Schwamberger. Boston has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and the group has organized an event they are calling “The Boston Marathon.” Scott Caudill, one of the organizers, said while the Boston Marathon is 26.2 miles, this event will be a 2.62 miles walk/run, “it’s more what people want to do.”

The event is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Minford High School track.

“There is no entry fee, and it’s 100 percent donations,” Caudill said. “All the money goes to support the family - medical costs, family costs, if they want to take a family vacation. So it goes to whatever the family can use it for.”

Caudill said there will be a variety of vendors, cash for gold, T-shirts for sale, and raffles. Caudill said they are accepting donations all the time.

“We’re going to have kid’s races where they can run a lap on the track,” Caudill said. “We’re going to ask if the kids want to wear their Halloween costumes. Along the route we’re going to have all kinds of stations where volunteers will be passing out candy to the kids.”

On Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3, Cornerstone Nazarene Church at 12138 Gallia Pike in Wheelersburg, will have a community yard sale and baked goods sale from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to benefit the Schwamberger family. Those wishing to drop off items for the community yard sale may do so on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Anyone wanting to donate baked goods for “Blessings for Boston,” may drop them off Thursday, Nov. 1 at the church. More information is available at www.youcaring.com. You can go to that site and search “Battling For Boston,” to donate.

Dale King, who has the Portsmouth Spartans Kettle Bell Club is also scheduling a fundraiser for Boston Schwamberger’s family.

“Ashley (Schwamberger) is a trainer at our gym,” King said. “On Saturday, Nov. 10 we’re going to do a half day of workout events. We’ll have raffles, stuff for sale, cornhole tournaments, all for Ashley, Joe and Boston.”

King said the program will begin at 10 a.m., and anyone who wants to participate can simply show up.

“People can just jump in and get some lifts,” King said. “We’re still working the details out. We’ll just have all kinds of things for sale. Everything there will be for the Schwamberger family.”

Caudill said the most important thing for people to know about the “Boston Marathon” is that it will be a fun event, whether they walk or run, it is all in fun for an important cause. He said an account has been set up at Fifth/Third Bank for donations to be made as well. Caudill said checks can be made out to Boston Schwamberger, with the notation at the bottom of the check to read - “for the benefit of Boston Schwamberger.”

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.