Clayton’s Family’s Journey Fundraiser is set for Saturday, March 19 from 1-5 p.m. at the Wilmington Savings Bank Senior Center, 717 N. Nelson Ave.
The event benefits the Earley family — Jessica and Sean, daughters Taryn, Abi and Bella, and the youngest, son Clayton. Clayton is the now 2-year-old profiled in the Sept. 8 edition of the News Journal who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma — cancer of the eye — last June.
Retinoblastoma may first be detected simply by looking at photographs and checking for a white reflection in the eye, followed by a doctor’s exam. Almost immediately after doctors diagnosed Clayton with retinoblastoma, he underwent surgery to remove his eye.
The surgery he went through is called enucleation. During the surgery, doctors went in and removed the entire eye and part of his optic nerve. Then doctors put a plastic ball where Clayton’s eye used to be and put a clear lens on top of the eye. He now has a prosthetic eye.
The fundraiser will be hosted by Beta Sigma Phi and is sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, which will match up to $2,500 of all proceeds received.
The event will feature “Clinton County’s World Famous Steak Sandwiches” prepared by Beta Sigma Phi available for purchase, plus hot dogs, chips and drinks. There will also be a baked goods table, silent auction, raffle items, face painting, children’s games, reading center and coloring pages.
Wilmington Optometrist Dr. David Brown, who first diagnosed Clayton, will be on hand to talk about early detection of retinoblastoma; a brief screening for retinoblastoma will be available from Dr. Brown.
For more on Clayton and family, visit the Facebook page “Clayton’s Journey.”
