WILMINGTON—A welcome home celebration and benefit fundraiser for Matt Edwards will be Saturday, August 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Wilmington.

A 2014 graduate of Wilmington High School, Edwards was born and raised in Clinton County and is now in remission following an intense battle with a rare kind of cancer known as Plasmablastic Lyphoma.

Looking back over the last several months, Edwards is grateful for his parents and their assurances that, “through God all things are possible” — words that have since become his mantra.

Edwards is also inspired by the lyrics of Brantley Gilbert’s song “My Faith in You,” and holds fast to his belief that, “even though things happen in life, both good and bad, keeping your faith will get you through whatever situation you come up against.”

According to Edwards, “I am a living breathing example of the power of prayer. Without everyone’s faith in the Lord, I wouldn’t be saying what I am today. So, I want to thank God and everyone for their prayers for my family and myself.”

Determined to pick up the pieces of a life temporarily put on hold, Edwards looks towards the future and is gradually working to pick up where he left off. Edwards plans to continue his education by returning to the campus of Southern State Community College in the fall where he will study business management.

In their continued efforts to show their support, family and friends have once again joined forces and are hosting this week’s fundraiser in hopes of easing the financial burden.

The community is invited and encouraged to show their support by attending Saturday’s fundraiser. Tickets for the event are $5.00 and the doors will open at 6 p.m. The band Rewind has joined in the celebration and will provide an evening of musical entertainment. Finger foods and snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

Door prices and split the pot drawings will add to the fundraising efforts. All proceeds will go directly to the family as they continue to help Matt as he makes his way in the world that awaits him.

Donations “For the Benefit of Matt Edwards” may also be made at Fifth Third Bank at 995 Rombach Avenue in Wilmington.

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.