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Benefit slated for teen with cancer

By Amanda Clegg 3 min read

Last month, 16-year-old Brandon Statzula officially took the driver’s wheel. Like most teenagers, he is enjoying the freedom. “He loves it,” his mom, Betty Statzula, said of her son’s opinion of the open road. “I’m trying to keep him socially out there, even though he can’t be out there all the time.”

Diagnosed with cancer in December 2004, Brandon doesn’t get out as much as he’d like while undergoing treatments, but with the support of mom Betty, dad, Chris, brother, Christopher and sister, Alicia, and his community, he might have a reason to step out this weekend.

A benefit for the Malden teen is scheduled for Saturday at the Denbo-Vesta 6 fire hall, organizer Valerie Orlandi said.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The country bands NOMaD and Blacksmith take the stage at the alcohol-free, all-ages event starting at 8 p.m. Many local businesses donated gift certificates and food and the fire department donated the hall. A Chinese auction, 50/50 drawing and a bake sale are also planned. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Brandon, a junior at Bethlehem Center High School, who is being schooled at home, spent two to three weeks toward the end of the school year attending classes with fellow students, Orlandi said.

He has maintained honor roll or higher since his home schooling began after his diagnosis, his mom added.

“He’s a bright kid,” she said. “He misses his sports. He was supposed to start high school baseball when he was diagnosed, and he got in one season of football, enough to letter for ninth grade. He misses football so bad.”

Financial hardships hit the family when expenses such as driving to and from Pittsburgh for Brandon’s medical care start to pile up, his mom said.

The family is being granted a trip to Hawaii through the Make-A-Wish foundation, according to Orlandi.

“Everybody has been pulling together and helping out,” Orlandi added. “His spirits are great. They’re (the family) holding together.”

Betty Statzula said she is happy about the upcoming benefit.

“When you’re running back and forth from Pittsburgh, it’s hard to stay above because of the finances,” she said. “It’s great that everybody cares about my son.”

As for her teenage driver, Statzula said she doesn’t allow him to drive when “his counts are low,” and prefers him to travel no farther than Uniontown.

“He still has his sense of humor, still outgoing,” she said of his attitude. “He has all the faith in the world in Children’s Hospital and his doctor. We just keep hoping and praying.”

For tickets or to make a donation, call Orlandi at 724-377-0337.

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