Public Relations Representative of West Side Konnekshun, Deshawn Hodge, urged support for a planned fundraiser to assist with Shaheem Richard's cancer treatment bill. Photo:VINO

Members of the West Side Konnekshun non-profit organisation. Photo: supplied

Shaheem Richards (left) with his mother Scharmla Springette-Richards shortly after his return from Puerto Rico. Photo: VINO/File

The flyer advertising the fundraising event. Image: supplied

Hodge said the lead up to the fundraiser in aid of Shaheem's outstanding cancer bill has received considerable support from members of the community so far and he felt encouraged by the progress made.

The non-profit group is hosting a pre-Father's Day Fish Fry and Exhibition Basketball Competition set for the Benjamin A. Romney Park in West End on June 15, 2013. Four teams are expected to compete in the exhibition games which start at 5:30 P.M.

Richards, 14, returned to the Territory on April 20, 2013 as a cancer survivor after enduring six months of chemotherapy treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in a Puerto Rico hospital.

"We've been getting good responses so far," Hodge said, "a lot of people came forward and donated fish and different food items."

He added that there is some concern about the turnout because there are quite a few activities scheduled for the same evening but he remained positive on the basis of the donations from persons through their time and effort towards the cause.

Hodge stated that both Shaheem and his mother are going to be present at the activity and all the teams for the event have been confirmed.

"We don't know the guy, but we just read the story and it was a touching story so we decided to support him," Hodge added.

Meanwhile, Shaheem's mother, Sharmarla Springette-Richards, confirmed that the group has been in communication with her family and she felt appreciative of the plan to host the event.

"I think that it's a good idea and I'm pleased about what they're doing for us," Richards said.

She added that she has also spread the word to encourage persons to come out in support of the event.

See previous story posted May 7, 2013:

West Side Konnekshun bids to trim cancer patient’s bill

- plans fish fry and exhibition b/ball to raise funds for Shaheem Richards

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Non-profit organisation West Side Konnekshun has thrown its hat into the proverbial ring in an attempt to trim the medical bill of former cancer patient, Shaheem Richards.

The group, which has been in existence for the past two years, has proposed a fish fry in addition to hosting two exhibition basketball games in hopes of raising a substantial amount of funds to assist the recently recovered lad.

Richards, 14, returned to the Territory on April 20, 2013 as a cancer survivor after enduring six months of chemotherapy treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in a Puerto Rico hospital.

Shaheem’s mother, Mrs Scharmla Springette-Richards, explained that her son’s bill has been hovering at the $500,000 mark and the family is desperately seeking to have it settled.

Public Relations Officer of the group, Deshawn Hodge, said the fundraising. event is slated for June 15, 2013 at the Benjamin A. Romney Park in West End at 5:30P.M.

According to Hodge, a West End team is expected to playoff against a team from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in one of the games, while two over-40 teams (West End vs Sea Cows Bay) are expected to compete in the second game.

There is no entry fee for the event, however, persons are encouraged to support the fish fry and purchase drinks that are on sale. A collection will also be taken for persons wishing to offer any donation at the event. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Skinny.

Members of the community are urged to come out in support of the initiative. Additionally, interested persons can contact Mr Richards at 441-0484 to offer donations towards Shaheem’s bill.