The Village of Colonie, Lowe’s employees and area firefighters are teaming up to help a 7-year-old boy battle a rare form of cancer.
The community will host a benefit pancake breakfast Saturday, March 27, at the Colonie Village Family Recreation Center, 1631 Central Ave., to help the boys family deal with the costs associated with treatment.
Paul Brandow, of Waterford, said the shocking speed with which his son, Tristen, went from OK to in the hospital has been difficult to adjust to.
It’s been almost like a hell – a nightmare,` he said. `It took me and my wife totally by surprise. I wasn’t prepared for everything.`
Tristen was diagnosed in early March with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that affects muscle and connective tissue.
Brandow, who works at the Colonie Lowe’s, and his wife, Melissa, have two other children Logan, 2, and Dillon, 11, and he said it has been tough on all of them.
He said his wife, who works as a hair stylist, does not have a lot of sick or vacation time and he has used all of his personal time already. They are worried about the cost of the treatment and the hours of lost work.
Mike Powers, who works with Brandow at Lowe’s and serves as chief for the Colonie Fire Company, said he is organizing a fundraiser to help offset the costs of the treatment.
`We’re getting a lot of people involved,` Powers said.
Brian Casey, who works for the village and serves as the South Colonie Board of Education president, is also helping to rally support for Brandow.
`We’re a big community. He works in the village, and that’s what the village is about, community,` Casey said.
Powers, Casey and others from Lowe’s, the fire department, the VFW and the village will host a benefit pancake breakfast Saturday, March 27, at the Colonie Village Family Recreation Center, 1631 Central Ave.
`It’s village people taking care of village people,` Casey said. `We’re getting lots of donations.`
Joe Lazare is offering $4,000 credit toward a car at Lazare Kia to be raffled off along with other prizes at the fundraiser, according to those organizing the event.
Village Mayor Frank Leak said the recreation center will be provided free of charge, and the tables, paper products and other supplies will be donated by the town.
`We’re doing our share for the family,` Leak said. `Whatever they need.`
Brandow said his son’s pediatrician, who has many years of experience, has never before encountered the cancer that has afflicted his son.
`It’s a rapidly growing form of cancer. It’s a very rare form of cancer,` he said.
Brandow said he is thankful and appreciative of anything that will come of the upcoming fundraiser.
`It’s great and wonderful,` he said. `We are fortunate enough to have good people.`
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