BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

RUSSELL – An event to benefit the family of a two-year-old diagnosed with a tumor of nerve tissue, a form of cancer called neuroblastoma, will be held May 25 at Shindigz on the River, 3748 County Route 24.

Venue owner Tammy Mackin is hosting the event to raise money for Adam and Megan Coffey and their son Elijah.

“Each year, if we have an available opening, we try to host a fundraiser to help a local family in need,” Mackin stated. “This event has been organized by a group of friends and family of two-year-old Elijah Coffey.” 

Neuroblastoma is a tumor of nerve tissue that develops in infants and children and can occur in many areas of the body. It develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system which controls body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure, digestion and levels of certain hormones.

The parents are natives to the North Country. Elijah is the youngest of their three boys.

“Our mission is to provide support to him and his family as well as reduce the financial stress. Elijah and his family are faced with months of treatment which will involve multiple hospital stays and trips for treatment and everything that goes along with caring for a sick child,” Mackin noted. 

The benefit, “Let’s Help Elijah Coffey Knock Cancer Out Cold.” will feature a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m. with a maximum number of teams set at 50. The entry fee is $50 per team with a registration deadline of May 18 by calling (315) 486-6915.

 There will be music, food, a donation bar, auction and raffle, and face painting and a bouncy house for the children.. 

People can visit the Facebook event page to view items to be auctioned and bid on them as well - https://www.facebook.com/share/kr7SopoxrTrmFECw/?mibextid=9l3rBW

“Every single penny will go to Elijah and his family,” she said.

Supporting businesses and individuals include Grasse River Asphalt and Paving- load of crushed run driveway stone; Community Bank - collecting monetary donations at Canton branch, raffle basket and $100 towards food, M & M trucking - load of gravel, Maggie Gillis - hand made quilt, Captain Jerry’s Outdoor outfitters - 2 hour, 2 person walleye fishing trip, Wood Chop Shop- weed eater, Joe and Shannon Clary- cornhole boards, Tim Fuller- local race car driver signed race car hood, Friot’s Speaker and laser lights rental - proving music for event, Gail Anson Lockard - local artist, framed, acrylic artwork, Tess Eels - local artist framed artwork, and Shindigz on the River- venue usage. 

Mackin said there will be numerous gift baskets, gift cards and other items up for raffle as well as a kids section where children can purchase a wristband to enjoy a full day of jump houses, face painting and be eligible to win some awesome kids prizes and apparel.