A crowd turns out to support boy battling leukemia

The sea of humanity that could be seen behind event organizers Tina Stauber (left in top photo) and Mary Beth Desens during a fundraiser at Divine Savior School in Fredonia Saturday told the heartwarming story of how a community came together to support Cole Janke, a 4-year-old who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and his parents Ryan and Rose Janke. The event, which drew hundreds of people to the school Cole attended before he was diagnosed with the disease, had a little something for everyone — libations, raffles and auctions for adults and a show and games for children. A number of those who attended are current and former students of Cedar Grove-Belgium High School, where Stauber, Desens and Rose Janke work. Among them was senior Grace Wilsnack (right) who volunteered to sell raffle tickets. Proceeds from the event will be used to help pay for Cole’s medical treatments.  Photos by Sam Arendt