Friends lending support for former resident battling cancer
by Joanne Morris
Tuesday July 28, 2009, 12:31 PM
Former Grandville resident Jason Thompson found lots of support from friends when he was diagnosed with cancer on June 2.
"He's just a really neat guy," said his future sister-in-law Melissa Dyson. "He is very special; very courageous."
Dyson, who teaches kindergarten at the West Michigan Academy of Environmental Sciences, raised flowers as a class project and is selling them this summer at the Fulton and Fuller Farmers Market to raise money for Jason's care.
Thompson, 28, is currently battling cancer which has invaded his bone marrow, liver, hips, and sacrum. He is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., but doesn't have health insurance, according to family members.
After moving to Santa Rose Beach, Fla., Thompson began serving as a youth soccer coach for the U.S. Soccer League. His community involvement and influence on young players' lives have prompted many fundraisers on his behalf.
Friends have organized benefits, including grocery bagging for donations, T-shirt sales, and restaurant fundraisers.
Closer to home, Dyson, who plans to marry Jason's brother Jerry next year, is selling the flowers she originally grew to use in her own wedding.
She and Jerry postponed their wedding when they learned of Jason's illness, she said.
Friends have also created a Web site to help others find out more about Jason's fight against cancer. To learn more or donate funds, go to www.kickingitforJason.com.
