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Fundraiser for cancer victim set for Saturday
Kid2
Logan Vance

The family of 2-year-old cancer victim and Bryan County resident Logan Vance says his condition is unchanged. The youngster has been fighting for his life for about a month now, since being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer.

Logan is not covered by medical insurance, but members of the Bryan County Fire Department have stepped up to the plate and organized a blood drive and ‘kids day’ event for this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill. The event is free, but donation buckets will be set out, with all the proceeds going toward Logan’s medical expenses. Events lined up include a bouncy playground, fire truck rides, face painting and a petting zoo. Hot dogs, soft drinks and popcorn will be served.

A blood mobile from the Blood Alliance will be set up. The organization will be turning in the blood donations to Memorial Hospital in exchange for a reduction in Logan’s medical bills. You can even register early to give blood at www.igiveblood.com – be sure to enter event code 3466.

Tommy Foster, Logan’s grandfather and the animal control officer for South Bryan, said Logan has been having "ups and downs" that seem to coincide with his chemotherapy treatments, which Logan must be admitted back into Memorial Hospital each weekend to undergo. Foster said he is better immediately after the treatment but his condition deteriorates until the following treatment.

"We take it day by day," Foster said. "It’s in the hands of the good Lord and his doctors. All we can do is pray."

Foster said Logan’s treatment is aimed at shrinking the cancer cells, with hopes that they’ll shrink enough to where they can be removed. If that does not occur, Logan will have to undergo a liver transplant. Foster said Logan is undergoing tests every week, and he must endure further testing before the next step is realized.

Saturday’s event is the second fundraising events from the folks at the fire department. The first was a boot drive, which took place last week outside the Richmond Hill Publix and Kroger. Capt. Asa Clay said the boot drive raised $2,617, "which is outstanding seeing how it was just for a few hours in the pouring rain. Little kids were coming up donating their allowances … we’re really hoping to have a good turnout this Saturday."

Two other blood drives are in the works for Logan. One is set for Feb. 21 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Richmond Hill. North Bryan residents are encouraged to come out for the blood drive in the Alco parking lot, which is slated for Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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