A fundraiser for a West Nipissing student battling cancer served up hope with a side of spaghetti.
Brandon Gauthier is a Grade 11 student at Ecole secondaire publique Nipissing Ouest who is currently going through chemotherapy in Ottawa for liver cancer.
The school put together a spaghetti dinner for Gauthier in December in order to raise money for Gauthier’s travels to Ottawa, along with medication that isn’t covered.
Originally thought to be a pulled muscle as the result of shovelling snow, Gauthier sought further medical attention when the pain didn’t subside, resulting in the cancer diagnosis.
Gauthier has since gone through surgery and has begun chemo treatments. He is not expected to return to school until February, but his teacher Joanne Bazinet says that his schooling won’t be stalled while he receives treatment in Ottawa.
“Our principal got Brandon some tutors and educators in Ottawa who teach him there and when he’s back here he’s also got a tutor,” she told MyWestNipissingNow’s, Rocco Frangione. “So he’ll be well surrounded by his learning and won’t fall behind.”
Teachers from the Near North District School Board from Northern Secondary school are also helping out, adds Bazinet.
Bazinet says to the best of her knowledge in her 19 years of teaching she has never seen an instance where steps of this nature were taken to ensure a student doesn’t lose a school year.
After the supper, the school announced that it served over 300 plates to students and residents of West Nipissing. The tickets were priced at $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children up to six years of age.
The tickets also gave patrons Caesar salad, tea, coffee, and juice along with live music. There were also prizes that were awarded.
“The staff and volunteers of West Nipissing Public High School sincerely thank you for your generosity that you gave us for the Hope for Brandon supper,” the school said through their website. “Thanks to you, the spaghetti supper took place in optimal conditions and success was had. We are particularly grateful to you for supporting our great cause. It is thanks to your gesture of generosity that we can indeed carry out our mission of Hope for Brandon.”
“Staff and students from École secondaire publique Nipissing Ouest extend their sincere and warmest thanks for your generosity towards the Hope for Brandon spaghetti supper,” it continues. “Thanks to you and your support, the event was made possible and was a success. We are forever thankful and grateful that our mission to support Brandon’s family financially has been accomplished. Once again, THANK YOU!”