Race Raises Funds For Local 7-Year-Old Battling Rare Cancer
Johnny LaMancuso, left, and a friend pose under a Johnny’s Mafia signed poster.
Several hundred runners, walkers and supporters turned out in droves to support a local second grader, Johnny LaMancuso, who was recently diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. The 1-mile fundraiser took place Saturday at the Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House. P-J photos by Christopher Blakeslee
Children, friends and supporters of Johnny LaMancuso turned out to support the local second grader.
The leader of Johnny’s Mafia, Johnny LaMancuso, is presented with a signed autographed helmet of his all-time favorite Buffalo Bills player, Stefon Diggs, by one of his teachers at the Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House.
Johnny LaMancuso, left, and a friend pose under a Johnny’s Mafia signed poster.
Several hundred runners, walkers and supporters turned out in droves to support a local second grader, Johnny LaMancuso, who was recently diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. The 1-mile fundraiser took place Saturday at the Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House. P-J photos by Christopher Blakeslee
Children, friends and supporters of Johnny LaMancuso turned out to support the local second grader.
The leader of Johnny’s Mafia, Johnny LaMancuso, is presented with a signed autographed helmet of his all-time favorite Buffalo Bills player, Stefon Diggs, by one of his teachers at the Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House.
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BEMUS POINT- Johnny LaMancuso scored the game's winning touchdown in his first and only game this season. Johnny was playing his third year of flag football this fall before he was diagnosed.
He was the starting quarterback on his team -- like his hero, Josh Allen -- and he wore Josh's No. 17.
Johnny was only able to play the first game of the year but made that one game count, scoring the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 35-yard run.
Chants of "Johnny" and "You're not alone" on Saturday had nothing to do with the 7-year-old's football prowess. The cheers Saturday were for a much more important cause -- a fundraiser for LaMancuso's treatment of a rare form of cancer -- Ewing sarcoma.
However, the Fletcher Elementary second grader isn't alone in his fight. It appears an entire community has rallied and organized around the youngster and his family.
Several hundred walkers, runners and racers attended Johnny's Mafia's 1-Mile Glow, Walk and Run to show support.
"Johnny is a huge sports fan and we wanted to do something to honor his love of sports," said Chris Emley, a physical education teacher and one of the event organizers, "So my cousin and I organized this event to bring the community together to help support him."
According to the Mayo Clinic, Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. It most often begins in the leg bones and in the pelvis, but it can occur in any bone. Less often, it starts in the soft tissues of the chest, abdomen, limbs or other locations.
Ewing sarcoma is more common in children and teenagers, but it can occur at any age. Major advancements in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma have helped to improve the outlook for people with cancer.
The professional educator's support went far beyond that of Fletcher Elementary School.
"You know, people have their negative things to say about Jamestown, but when push comes to shove, the best in us comes out and we support our own," said Brooke Isaacson, a health teacher at Washington Middle School and friend of the LaMancuso family. "We've been friends of the family for years and we stand by them."
Prior to Saturday's race, Johnny was presented with an autograph Buffalo Bills helmet signed by Stefon Diggs.
"I'm blown away," said Johnny's father, John LaMancuso. "I'm very grateful and in awe of everything the community is doing for my son. I do want to say that all the funds raised will be used by my father-in-law to help offset the cost of travel between here and his treatment center."
Johnny LaMancuso started chemotherapy treatment at Oishei Children's Hospital on Sept. 14. He will need 12 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy and then likely surgery and/or radiation.
"This is great when we can come together as a community and support one of our own," Mayor Eddie Sundquist said of the event. "I support him, and it's evident that the community supports Johnny as well."
"We're a community, and we should be supporting our own," said Tony Dolce, City Council president and a high school government teacher. "The high school's cross country team came out and helped with the operational side of this event. Teenage kids, who could be doing something else on a weekend night are out here supporting one of our own."