Having just returned home to Onalaska last Thursday after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, Brody Hamilton was out at the Onalaska High School track on Saturday, April 13, getting a few laps in himself along with hundreds who turned out to support him during a “Walk With Reason” fundraising event.
Hamilton, 9, was joined by his family, who walked with him as he completed four laps, totaling a mile, as part of his ongoing physical therapy.
His parents are expecting to get test results from the tumor within the next week. The cancerous tumor was discovered in March. The community has raised thousands of dollars to help cover the costs of treatment, travel and other expenses. An online crowdfunding campaign raised more than $23,000 since being launched.
Brody’s mother, Grace Hamilton, said she couldn’t believe the amount of community support they were getting despite only having moved to Onalaska from Centralia four years ago.
Brody’s grandfather, Dan Green, of Chehalis, completed 52 laps, walking at least 13 miles, if not more, considering he was on the track’s outer lanes most of the time.
“(Green) told us he was going to do 100 laps, and we thought he was joking, but he tried,” said Chris Hamilton, Brody’s father.
Currently watching her own biological father battle lung cancer, Onalaska High School senior Eva Kindle organized the Walk With Reason event to help raise money as Brody continues undergoing treatment.
“I just know how his family must feel and how hard it is,” Kindle said.
Helping her organize the event was the Onalaska Assembly of God, which Kindle said donated $4,000.
Other local sponsors included:
• Scott Reed of R4 Contractors in Onalaska
• Pizza Girl in Onalaska
• Backroads Coffee in Onalaska
• Onalaska Tire
• The Carlisle Bar and Grill in Onalaska
• Brooks Baked Goods in Onalaska
• Onalaska High School
• The Power Shop in Centralia
• Ramblin Jacks Rib Eye in Napavine
• Sweet & Sassy Espresso in Napavine
• Sam’s Hot Dogs
After the first few hours of the event, Kindle estimated they had raised approximately $10,000.
For those who missed the walk but still want to support Brody, the “FIGHTER, SUPERSTAR, WARRIOR, SURVIVOR” shirts and other apparel being sold as part of a fundraiser to support Brody and his family can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ynx4ubs6.
To view the online crowdfunding campaign or donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/brody-hamilton-overcome-brain-cancer.
