Gavin Rupp fund-raiser planned Saturday in Crosslake
CROSSLAKE - Gavin Rupp, the 16-month-old son of Dave and Carey (Thurlow) Rupp of West Bloomington, was diagnosed with leukemia the Friday before Christmas of 2005.
A benefit for Gavin is planned Saturday at Maucieri's Italian Restaurant in Crosslake. A spaghetti dinner will take place from 5-7 p.m. followed by a dance from 8 p.m.-midnight.
Cost is $10 for the dinner and dance. Cost for the dinner for children ages 4-10 is $5 and cost for the dance only is $5.
DJ Paul will provide music and there will be door prizes, raffles, silent auction and live auction.
All proceeds will be given to Gavin and his family.
Gavin Rupp
Gavin's mom is from Pequot Lakes and is a 1992 Pequot Lakes High School graduate. Gavin's grandparents, Jim and Sharon Thurlow, live in the Pequot Lakes area, as does his aunt, Stephanie Thurlow, and her two sons, who live in Crosslake.
Carey is unemployed since Gavin started treatment for leukemia and will be for months. Dave works seasonally for an asphalt plant in Minneapolis. The Rupps also have a 4 1/2-year-old daughter.
Gavin is on five different chemotherapy treatments and will have to undergo chemotherapy for the next three-and-a-half years. Gavin is responding to treatment at Minneapolis Children's Hospital where he goes every week. He has undergone two surgeries and endured multiple hospitalizations.
The family is grateful for all the support they've received during Gavin's battle with leukemia.
A Gavin Rupp (Thurlow) Fund has been set up at Deerwood Bank, PO Box 527, Brainerd, MN 56401.
Those who would like to help with the benefit or have any questions may contact Kirsten Ekeberg at (218) 562-4829, Missy Trees at 963-7667 or Stephanie Thurlow at 831-3656.