Christmas may still be two months away, but an entire community is rallying together to make what might be one terminally ill boy's last Christmas a memorable one.
With the help of family, friends and neighbours, the town of St. George, Ontario is bringing Christmas cheer to the seven-year-old boy named Evan Leversage this weekend. Evan has been fighting brain cancer for five years and his mother Nicole Wellwood -- the daughter of the late Buddy Wellwood who helped organize one of Clinton Raceway's past Charity Driver's Challenges that benefitted Childcan -- learned a few months ago that there were no other treatment options available for Evan and doctors were unsure what his condition would be by Christmas on December 25.
After a trip to Niagara Falls for Evan, the family returned on Sunday before their planned Christmas dinner to the town adorned with lights and decorations. A Santa Claus Parade, planned by volunteers, will run down Evan's street on Saturday evening with (artificial) snow in the forecast and his family will celebrate Christmas on Sunday morning.
"It's pretty amazing how a seven-year-old can bring a community together," Wellwood told the Hamilton Spectator. "Evan has touched a lot of people's hearts."
Wellwood's cousin Shelly, who spearheaded the community Christmas campaign for Evan, also set up a GoFundMe page to assist with lights, food and living expenses. Over $23,000 has already been raised in six days for the single mother of three young boys.
(With files from the Hamilton Spectator and CTV News)
What a beautiful story. Such
What a beautiful story. Such a precious young man too