BOSTON – A cyclist and runner will complete the distance for WBZ-TV’s Sarah Wroblewski’s son Declan by raising money for the hospital in Boston where he is being treated for cancer.
$3,000 raised for Boston Children’s Hospital
Four-year-old Declan, his parents and siblings cheered on Jake Kampner as he biked and ran 128 miles from Williamstown to Boston Children’s Hospital, raising $3,000 for the hospital in Declan’s name.
“He’s really exceeded all our expectations at this point,” said Declan’s father, Bobby Lyons. “Another selfless act, it’s amazing.”
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“At this point, I am confident that I will make a difference for him and his family and that the money will be donated to Boston Children’s so we can try to end Medulloblastoma,” Kampner said.
Kampner is a graduate of Chelmsford High School, where Lyons was his teacher.
“He was one of the most influential teachers I had growing up,” Kampner said.
“He is driven, focused and, like so many people, just wants to do his bit to help Declan,” Lyons said.
#ThumbsUpforDec
Declan was diagnosed with brain cancer in September last year. Since then, family and friends have begun to #ThumbsUpForDec campaign to support him and his family. His father said Declan started a clinical trial in Providence a month ago and recent scans show no new cancer growth.
“The biggest obstacle for him right now is his mobility, so his mobility is pretty much compromised due to the cancer and the chemotherapy,” Lyons said.
As Declan’s journey continues, it’s the unwavering love of his community that keeps him and his family going. Declan Strong.
“We look back and reflect on the past year and it’s been a very difficult year for all of us, especially Declan, and it’s been very taxing,” Lyons said. “But the one thing, apart from Declan’s great spirit that’s gotten us through this, is the support of everyone.”
Tammy Mutasa
