On January 31st the Crush Cancer event was held during the JV and Varsity boys basketball games against Springport in order to show support for two students, DJ Sheedy and Landen Silveus, as they battle Osteosarcoma cancer. A few students, senior Elliya Vogel and senior Eliana Johnson planned the event alongside community member Justin Rickel. Rickel has been selling wristbands at all of the home basketball games this season. When he heard about the idea Vogel and Johnson had, he had the desire to help in any way that he could.
“By starting to sell bracelets to raise money for the families, I have found that I truly enjoy helping people, so I reached out to see if there was any way I could help,” Rickel said.
After a lot of planning the students decided to hold a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a shirt sale. Businesses throughout the community and surrounding communities donated gift cards and gift baskets for the silent auction. Four long tables in the cafeteria were filled with auction items. The money from the 50/50 raffle was split between the winner and the fundraiser, leaving $416 in funds for the Sheedy and Silveus families.
At first, only 78 shirts were ordered to be sold, but after much demand from the community, Rickel ended up ordering 392 shirts to sell. After the event, only 33 remain unsold. Local businesses and community members also participated in monetary donations which added up to over $5,000.
“Despite the diagnosis we’ve been handed, we feel very fortunate to be surrounded by a community that has rallied around us, wrapped their arms around us, and held us up in our weakest moments,” the Silveus family said. “This has been the shining light that has afforded us the momentum and strength to keep pushing forward in this fight for our son.”
Over $12,000 was raised during the Crush Cancer and Yellow Out events, but money is not the only reason these events were held. Having the community show up wearing yellow or simply showing up to support has left an impact on the families affected. Unfortunately, Landen Silveus was unable to attend the game, but the rest of his family was in attendance. Since Silveus couldn’t attend the game, his family was able to include him through a Facetime call.
“The sea of yellow brought tears to our eyes. The cheers, the energy, and the enthusiasm was palpable,” the Silveus family said.
DJ Sheedy and his family attended the game. The unwavering support shown from the community gives them comfort knowing that they are not alone in their journey.
“For our son, knowing so many people are cheering him on gives him strength,” DJ Sheedy’s mother, Cassandra Sheedy, said.
Springport and Webberville high schools also made efforts to support the families as well. Both schools wore yellow shirts during warm-ups. Springport’s shirts said, “Springport basketball supports you” and “no one fights alone.” Webberville wore the Crush Cancer shirts that were sold to the Stockbridge community. Webberville also held a few different fundraisers when they hosted the Stockbridge boys basketball teams. Overall Webberville’s community donated around $2,000.
“It shows that this fight is bigger than just one school’s. It’s about supporting each other in times of need, and we feel so blessed by that,” Cassandra Sheedy said. “Whether it was through donations, wearing yellow, or simply sending kind words and prayers, it has made a world of difference.”
Even though he was unable to attend the Stockbridge game, Landen Silveus was able to attend the game at Webberville, where he was able to see this support. At the game, he found his smile again. Being able to see his friends made him feel less alone and isolated.
“He misses his friends. He misses the luxuries of being a healthy, carefree, 13-year-old kid. Dare I say he even misses going to school every day. His smile shined so bright that evening, and that’s a memory that we’ll forever hold dear to our hearts,” the Silveus family said.
Both DJ Sheedy and Landen Silveus are forever grateful for the efforts being made to support them. The continued kindness from the community helps them push through every day of their fights.
“Together as a family united, and our faith in God, we remain hopeful,” the Silveus family said, “Cancer may have changed us, but it will not break us.”
