News Summary
Sylvan Ross, an eight-year-old boy from Grand Rapids, is receiving remarkable support from the local community as he battles a rare brain tumor. Blue’s Gym surprised him with gifts including a lifetime membership and boxing gloves. His mother expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement, and plans for a fundraising event at Twisted Bowl are set to help ease the financial strain of Sylvan’s treatment. This heartwarming story highlights the compassionate response from local organizations and individuals towards families facing childhood illness.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Eight-year-old Sylvan Ross, who has been battling diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a rare brain tumor, was recently surprised with gifts and support from the local nonprofit Blue’s Gym. The event took place on a Friday night and served to uplift Sylvan, who has faced significant challenges since his diagnosis 14 months ago.
During the gathering, Sylvan was presented with a lifetime membership to Blue’s Gym, alongside a new pair of boxing gloves. Blue’s Gym, a Christian-based boxing facility, is committed to assisting youth in the Grand Rapids community, providing them with mentorship and opportunities for growth through sports.
Sylvan’s mother, Bayleigh Proper, expressed sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community during their difficult times. Family friend Todd Wolf, who played a key role in organizing the event, emphasized the necessity of community involvement and support for Sylvan and his family.
A fundraising event is also scheduled to take place at Twisted Bowl in Grand Rapids on October 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. This event aims to raise funds for Sylvan and will involve merchandise sales managed by Blue’s Gym. Items for sale will include donations from the community, along with a coupon book, specifically designed to assist with the financial burden associated with hospital bills and treatment costs.
In addition to the fundraising event, Proper has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help with Sylvan’s hospital expenses, a step taken to alleviate the financial strain of ongoing treatment. Proper has highlighted the critical need for more research and funding directed toward high-grade gliomas and childhood cancer, situations that typically receive less attention in comparison to other types of cancer.
Sylvan has been described as resilient and energetic, maintaining a spirited demeanor throughout his ongoing battle with cancer. He enjoys various physical activities, often referring to himself as a “parkour master.” This playful spirit shines through despite his circumstances, and Proper emphasized that the family is fighting for a cancer-free future for all children, underscoring the importance of community support during this challenging period.
As part of Blue’s Gym’s mission, the organization continues to advocate for youth and families facing similar challenges within the community. Sylvan’s story exemplifies the heartwarming response individuals can offer to families battling childhood illnesses, fostering a sense of unity and support. The upcoming fundraiser aims to not only alleviate medical expenses but also to spread awareness about childhood cancers and the need for increased resources dedicated to research and treatment.
In summary, the community’s support for Sylvan Ross is a testament to the collective strength and compassion inherent in Grand Rapids, as efforts from local organizations and individuals converge to provide hope and assistance during this trying time.
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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
