Coupeville’s Bennett Boyles is a budding basketball star facing a tragic challenge off the court.
Boyles, 11, has an inoperable tumor on his brain stem. He had been sick off and on since March and in the hospital at least once a month until the diagnoses in June.
Boyles is undergoing long-term management treatment; it won’t be cured, according to his mother, Lucienne Rivera.
Since June, Boyle and Rivera have traveled to the University of Washington for treatment each weekday.
Recently Boyles became even more sick, and, at first, it was thought to be caused by his treatments. However, it was discovered he had hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid within the cranium. This required surgery to place a shunt.
The plan was to return to Coupeville as much as possible, Rivera said, but the latest setback and has kept Boyles in Seattle since June 27.
Friends are organizing fundraisers to offset the bills and to help Rivera, who cannot work as she cares for Bennett.
Ciao, an Italian restaurant in Coupeville, is hosting “Bounce for Bennett” from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 17.
Pizza will be offered by the slice and youngsters will get a chance to enjoy bounce houses. Bounce tickets are $5 for a turn or $20 for the day.
Organizers said those who cannot attend can help out with get well cards, posters, prayers, gift cards for food and donations to help with gas and ferry tolls.
Donations can be dropped off at the Ebey Academy, 140 SE Terry Road, Coupeville.
Other donations can be made at https://gobennett.givingfuel.com/go-bennett
Earlier, Konni Smith of the Ebey Academy organized a “Parents Night Out,” where childcare was provided.
An auction is slated for 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at the Coupeville Rec Hall; tickets are $10.
The seventh- and eighth-grade Coupeville basketball teams are playing in a 3-on-3 tournament in Enumclaw July 29 and will tie a fundraiser into the trip, according to coach Pat Kelley.
“People can donate money for every basket we make,” he said. Kelley can be reached at pdkelley@hotmail.com
“This is a very sweet kid,” Kelley added. “infectious is an understatement.”
“Many people have been supportive on their own,” Rivera said. “Workers from Whidbey General Hospital, where I worked the past eight years, have helped on a personal basis. The diagnostic imaging department has been a huge support.”
Because of the circumstances, Rivera hasn’t been able to thank all those who have helped.
“I want folks to know how much we appreciate their support and prayers. This is a good chance to tell everyone how thankful we are.”
