BAY COUNTY (WJRT) -
(02/09/12) - He's only 11-months-old, and is battling cancer. His name is Wyatt Whiteherse.
"He has a big mass, on the right side of his abdominal area, pushing on his kidneys. It's cancer," explained Wyatt's father, Adam Whiteherse.
Wyatt's first birthday is about a week away, and he'll be starting his second round of chemotherapy at the same time. "He's a tough kid, he's inspiring me," Adam said.
Thursday afternoon friends, relatives and complete strangers came together to cook up some financial help for Wyatt's family as they travel back and forth to the Detroit Children's Hospital.
"We want to pay it forward and keep it going. You know you hear so many negative things in the world today and it's just quite a blessing to have, you know, reach out and help others," said Lori VanOchten who volunteered to help after some of Wyatt's supporters volunteered at a fundraiser for her loved one.
David Noyce came with a heavy heart. "I had a daughter that had spinal muscular atrophy. She passed away when she was three and a half years old. I know exactly what they're going through."
Wyatt was diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma after a trip to the pediatrician last month. "We didn't notice anything other than he had diarrhea. And they noticed that he had a bulge in his stomach and they took us to an ultrasound and we found out from there," Adam said.
Wyatt's parents, Katy and Adam, are overwhelmed with everyone's kindness. "It's a grace of God. This is a beautiful thing. I don't, I'm sort of lost for words," Adam said.
The spaghetti dinner ran from 12-7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 1021 Woodside Avenue in Essexville. Aside from the dinner there is a bake sale and silent auction.
A second fundraiser is planned for Mar. 3 at The Vault on Midland Street in Bay City. There will be food and bands. It runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
There's also a bank account set up for Wyatt at PNC Bank. You can make a donation at any branch under the account called the "Wyatt Whiteherse Cancer Fund".
