LIMA — Fans attending the Jan. 22 boys basketball game between Lima Senior and Toledo St. John’s will be able to not only cheer the Spartans on to victory on the court, but also help spur a Lima Senior freshman onto hopefully a victory over cancer.
Robert Thomas has mature T lymphoma, a cancer he has fought for several months at a hospital in Columbus. His mother took unpaid leave from work to be with her son in Columbus, with his treatment creating a financial burden for the family.
“He has gone through six rounds of chemotherapy,” according to Matt Fish of Fight Like a Redhead, a nonprofit organization working to raise funds for Thomas’ family. “He is currently awaiting his bone marrow transplant.”
Lima Senior is dedicating its match against Toledo St. John’s to Thomas, with “Runnin’ with Robert” T-shirts on sale for $10 for students, if purchased in advance, and $15 for adults. T-shirts will also be available during the game for $15. Orders can be made by calling 419-996-3473.
Other ways to support Thomas include a 50/50 raffle, a $5 raffle to win a 43-inch smart TV and a three-point game at halftime, where contestants pay $1 to take a 3-point shot with the chance to win $2.
Thomas, if he is able to attend, will be honored as the Special Spartan during the game, and there will be a presentation to the family at halftime.
Lima athletic director John Zell has not met Thomas personally, but he said he is excited to have the opportunity to help him during this fight.
“I know he played football for Lima West last year,” he said. “I’ve talked with the coaches and the students and learned he’s an excellent kid, an excellent student.”
Fight Like a Redhead will also hold a benefit from 4 to 10 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Labor Union Hall, 4580 S. Dixie Highway, featuring food drinks, a DJ, raffles, silent and live auctions, a bake sale and more. For information on the benefit, contact Fish at 419-905-8018.
