Spaghetti Dinner Leukemia Fundraiser and Bone Marrow Drive

Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 - South Salem Fire House, 1190 Route 35 - 6:30PM to 10:00 PM - Spaghetti Dinner Leukemia Fundraiser and Bone Marrow Drive for David Soderlund.

One of the many benefits of small town life is when one of our own get’s knocked down, we all rally to support them and their family. One of our friends, David Soderlund, 26, of Cross River, has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and we need you to join his  fight.

David was born on May 3rd, 1987, at Northern Westchester Hospital.  Raised in Cross River, he attended Lewisboro Elementary School and then John Jay Middle and High School. He became an active member of the community, creating friendships that would last a lifetime. As a young adult, David became active in local organizations such as the South Salem Volunteer Fire Department and worked at various local companies. Unfortunately tragedy struck early in his life when he lost his mother to breast cancer. David and his family persevered but now face an equally daunting challenge. As David was preparing for his first day of work at a new company, his got life turned upside down.

For four weeks, David had the flu and strep throat. Doctor after doctor gave him antibiotics and told him to rest. He began to lose weight, the fatigue was getting worse and he was eventually unable to do everyday activities. On Sunday March 16th, he saw yet another doctor, who immediately knew it was something more. He ran some blood tests and Monday morning he called David to come into his office. It was then that David was told it was much more than the flu and strep throat. He had Leukemia. The doctor immediately got on the phone with the best doctors he knew down in Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian and David was transferred down there to create a plan and being treatment as soon as possible.

David has spent the last month in the hospital.  He continues to face multiple treatments and hospitalizations.  David’s family has started a fundraiser, Friends of David, to help him and his family with medical costs. They have also partnered with DKMS (deletebloodcancer.org) to raise awareness and support the bone marrow registry to help other families facing the same situation. On Saturday, May 3rd, David’s support team is hoping you will join them at the South Salem Fire House for a Spaghetti Dinner and Fundraiser and share your support.  In addition to the dinner and raffles, which include many great prizes, including sports paraphernalia, tickets, gift cards and much more, there will be a Bone Marrow Drive by DKMS, the largest bone marrow registry in the country.  In less than 10 minutes they will help you determine if you’re eligible to be on the registry. Your actions now could help David or someone else who is battling cancer in the future.

This fight is a long one, and David needs to know he’s not in the battle alone. Please come out to support your local brother, friend, and community member.  It’s guaranteed to be a wonderful night full of food, prizes, live music, and good company. We can’t wait to see you there. If you cannot attend the dinner, you can make a donation through a safe and secure website the family has set up; www.giveforward.com and search “David Soderlund”