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ENLARGE
Dad Rick, Mom Kelly, Mike and sister Natalie Bamford.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — This Friday, the community is invited to the Grand Junction High School cafeteria from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to help raise money for a student who is fighting for his life.
In September, 16-year-old Grand Junction High School junior Mike Bamford was diagnosed with leukemia.
Making his fight harder is the fact that Bamford was born with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky, which leads to problems in the organs, especially the lungs and pancreas. There is no cure.
Because of both of these conditions, Bamford has spent more than six weeks in Denver at the Children's Hospital. His father, Rick Bamford, travels back and forth spending about three days in Grand Junction working and then the rest of the week with his son, while his mother, Kelly Bamford, has not returned home since her son left for Children's Hospital.
Best friend and golf buddy Casey Knuepfer, 16, speaks to Bamford about every three days. He's doing a lot better, and though his spirit sometimes gets down, he's pushes through it, Knuepfer said. “I pray for him all the time. He's on my mind all day.”
Friends on the GJHS golf team, who are helping with the fundraiser, say Bamford is a bright and outgoing student.
“He's always dealt with challenges, but he was never the kid that feels sorry for himself. What he's dealt with made him a better golfer,” said Tom LeFebre, Junction golf coach and social studies teacher.
Bamford, a member of the golf team, had big plans for this year's season before he was diagnosed, LeFebre said.
“He's improved every year, and this year he looked forward to doing things like be on the varsity level team and lettering.”
Members of the golf team and employees of local City Markets have worked to spread the word, sell tickets, and help at Friday's fundraising event. City Market employees are setting up the chili dinner and organizing the silent auction, while golf team members have been selling tickets. They will also set up before the event, and clean up after it's over.
“It's time well donated because it's going to help a deserving family that's going through a hard time,” said GJHS senior and golf team member Cody Holman.
LeFebre estimates that with both groups selling tickets there should be between 400 and 500 people attending.
For only $5, guests will receive a chili dinner as well as the chance to bid on several items in a silent auction. Cash or check only, please; credit cards cannot be accepted.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to support the cause, visit the Sooper Credit Union or call 242-0123 and make a contribution to “The Mike Bamford Benefit Account.”
LeFebre thinks that people — parents especially — will attend this event because they hope other people would do the same if it was their own child.
“It's in difficult times when people realize how fortunate we are, and when things happen like this, it brings out the best in people to know that however they help will make a difference for the family.”
In September, 16-year-old Grand Junction High School junior Mike Bamford was diagnosed with leukemia.
Making his fight harder is the fact that Bamford was born with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky, which leads to problems in the organs, especially the lungs and pancreas. There is no cure.
Because of both of these conditions, Bamford has spent more than six weeks in Denver at the Children's Hospital. His father, Rick Bamford, travels back and forth spending about three days in Grand Junction working and then the rest of the week with his son, while his mother, Kelly Bamford, has not returned home since her son left for Children's Hospital.
Best friend and golf buddy Casey Knuepfer, 16, speaks to Bamford about every three days. He's doing a lot better, and though his spirit sometimes gets down, he's pushes through it, Knuepfer said. “I pray for him all the time. He's on my mind all day.”
Friends on the GJHS golf team, who are helping with the fundraiser, say Bamford is a bright and outgoing student.
“He's always dealt with challenges, but he was never the kid that feels sorry for himself. What he's dealt with made him a better golfer,” said Tom LeFebre, Junction golf coach and social studies teacher.
Bamford, a member of the golf team, had big plans for this year's season before he was diagnosed, LeFebre said.
“He's improved every year, and this year he looked forward to doing things like be on the varsity level team and lettering.”
Members of the golf team and employees of local City Markets have worked to spread the word, sell tickets, and help at Friday's fundraising event. City Market employees are setting up the chili dinner and organizing the silent auction, while golf team members have been selling tickets. They will also set up before the event, and clean up after it's over.
“It's time well donated because it's going to help a deserving family that's going through a hard time,” said GJHS senior and golf team member Cody Holman.
LeFebre estimates that with both groups selling tickets there should be between 400 and 500 people attending.
For only $5, guests will receive a chili dinner as well as the chance to bid on several items in a silent auction. Cash or check only, please; credit cards cannot be accepted.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to support the cause, visit the Sooper Credit Union or call 242-0123 and make a contribution to “The Mike Bamford Benefit Account.”
LeFebre thinks that people — parents especially — will attend this event because they hope other people would do the same if it was their own child.
“It's in difficult times when people realize how fortunate we are, and when things happen like this, it brings out the best in people to know that however they help will make a difference for the family.”
Go & Do
What: Mike Bamford Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction
When: Friday, Nov. 13, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Grand Junction High School cafeteria, 1400 N. Fifth St. Cost: $5 |
