Northborough – Nearly 500 Northborough friends and fans of came out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to support nine-year-old Liam Fitzgerald fundraising event, “Get Your Bump On.”
The youngster became an Internet sensation when a video clip of him “fist bumping” Boston Bruins players as they came off the ice at TD Garden in Boston went viral. Liam’s family decided to play off that publicity as a way to help raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LSS).
Liam was born with Downs Syndrome and diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in December of 2009. After four years of treatment, he had his last cancer treatment in May 2013.
Participants met in the parking lot at 290 West Main St. on April 12 where they were asked for a suggested donation of $5 per person to join a chain bump. Many people gave more.
In addition to Liam, cancer survivors Christian Campero, Max Blasco and William Furgal were also recognized.
The event was conceived by Julie Stanwood, who is also director of Friends of Families in Transition, after she saw the clip of Liam fist-bumping the Bruins players. Liz Nolan, founder of Northborough Mom’s and Tots, also helped to organize the event, including creating a Facebook page to spread the word.
A number of local companies helped to sponsor the event including Uno’s Pizzeria, Berkshire Bank, Wegmans, TD Bank, Buffalo Wild Wings, Lala Java, and Core Connection, among others.
Liam was also honored with a certificate from the Mass. House of Representatives which was presented to him by State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, State Rep. Harold Naughton Jr., D-Clinton and State Rep. Danielle W. Gregoire, D-Marlborough.
Liam’s oncologist, Dr. Naheed Usmani , attended the event. Other special guests included Boston Bruins mascot “Blades,” and Worcester Bravehearts mascot “Jake”.
“It was so humbling to see so many people come together from our town: the doctors and nurses at UMass, politicians, old friends and new,” Liam’s mother Christine said. “It was just an amazing outpouring of love and kindness. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Over $4,800 was raised at the event.
Photos/Debra Roberts