THROOP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A community rallied behind their friend battling an aggressive form of cancer. More than 100 people from nearby neighborhoods showed up at a well-known baseball field to honor and pray for their friend.
At Washington Street Park in Throop, people gathered at center field to give strength to a beloved member of their community, Sunday evening.
Eddie Kaufman, a 20-year-old Mid Valley High School alumnus, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia a few months ago.
Volunteers for Team Eddie K collaborated with local reverend Scott Sterowski for a community prayer vigil.
"It's not the first time the community has come together to support this family and Eddie himself, and I think it's a great thing," Mason O'Malley, a Friend of Eddie's, told 28/22 News.
O'Malley has known Eddie his whole life, marking many milestones together as the years went by.
"We went to school together, we went to CCD classes together, we've played sports together, all-star teams, I mean, we grew up together, we've done a lot of stuff. Every day I think about him. Every day I think about his family, I mean, they're just going through such a hard time. He's going to make it through, I know that, we're all optimistic, but it's such a tough thing, and so hard to see," O'Malley explained.
Walking out of darkness in Wilkes-Barre
With their tealight candles, Eddie's community prayed for healing, peace, and strength for him and his family..
"It was really beautiful to see all these people. I've been to a couple of the previous events, and there was also a large showing, but today's just really special to show that we're still supporting Eddie in large numbers. It's a beautiful thing to see in such a dark time," Ryan Repecki, a friend of Eddie, said.
They hope their messages can reach Eddie to remind him that while he is in the fight of his life, he's never fighting alone.
"That we're all praying for you, and we are hoping you get better every single day, and that everyone is on your side," Friends of Eddie's Alyssa & Nick Giumento said.
"Keep fighting, and that we are here for you in any way possible, that we can help," Repecki continued.
"That we love him. As a community, from his friends, from myself, we love him, yeah, and we're always here for him," O'Malley added.
While Eddie and his family could not make it to the vigil, volunteers livestreamed the event to them so they could feel close to their community during this trying time.
