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On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Tuscarora Community came together to support the Hill family at the Tuscarora 5K Chase and Kids Fun Run. Nine-year-old Chase Hill is a fourth grader in Paul Beatty’s class at Tuscarora Indian School. He is a sweet, loving boy that always has a smile on his face and loves helping others. He has endured two years of testing and surgeries, yet has managed to stay positive and happy through it all. Last year, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and walking has become increasingly difficult for him.
Beatty and his family wanted to do something to help out the family and so they decided to fund and build a wheelchair ramp at Chase’s home. With the help of retired carpenter Kevin Campbell and Tuscarora School custodian Bart Oddo, they constructed a 6-by-8-foot deck off the back of his house and built a ramp leading down to the gravel parking area. Ken Young Paving has offered to donate and install an asphalt parking area leading to the new ramp so that Chase will have no trouble getting in and out of his home.
Chase and his family were very appreciative of the new ramp but Beatty wanted to do more. Working together with teachers and staff at Tuscarora School, a 5K race and Kids Fun Run were planned at the Nation House. Tuscarora students made posters to promote the event and some of the older kids decorated cowbells by hand that were sold on race day along with T-shirts donated by Stuart Sports. Teachers and staff planned crafts and games for the kids and runners came from as far away as Jamestown, New York, to run in the race.
It turned out to be an amazing day of friendship and support for the Hill family. All of the proceeds from the race were donated by Race Management Solutions and iRun WNY (The Beatty Family) who provided professional timing and finish line services at the event. Mr. and Mrs. John Tourbin donated an electric scooter and car carrier that were given to Chase at the race. The look on his face was priceless as he quickly learned to drive it. In fact he was zipping around the Nation House in no time and even rode it in the Kids Fun Run!
It was so amazing to have so many local businesses, family members, teachers, staff, and friends step up to the plate and donate to help the cause. The money raised will be used by the Hill family to help offset medical expenses and to hopefully fund a family trip to Disney while Chase is still able to go on some of the rides. Organizers wish to thank everyone for coming out.
Chase and his family and friends enjoying some of the pre-race activities.
Chase quickly learned how to drive his new electric scooter that was generously donated by local resident and friend of Tuscarora School John Tourbin.