Brian Roach needs some help and the Clarkston Eagles are more than happy to answer the call.
Roach was diagnosed with a brain tumor Memorial Day weekend in 2002.
“He was coming out of a party store and had a seizure in his vehicle,” mother Cookie Roach said. “They did an MRI and found the tumor. We had no idea he had this. He had always been so healthy.”
Brian began a journey to get himself healthy that had seen him have three surgeries. The first surgery was in July of 2002 when doctors could only remove eight percent of the tumor at the time and give him radiation.
Brian then had a second brain surgery where the doctors removed 80 percent of the tumor. However after a third surgery, Brian developed a staph infection. There are already plans for him to undergo yet another surgery.
He is going through therapy because the surgery affected his speech and motor skills.
“He couldn’t use his right hand. He is starting to get feeling back in his leg. Obviously he can’t work,” Cookie said.
Without a job, Brian will see his medical coverage run out on January 1. The cost of the surgeries, along with the therapy and medications, will be too much for him to bear.
“His opinion is this is just a bump in the road. He is being very strong,” Cookie said.
When the Clarkston Eagles heard about this they decided to do something about it. They organized a spaghetti dinner set for Saturday, December 13.
The Roach family are members of the Clarkston Eagles.
“This is what the Eagles are all about,” past president and current member Janice Karrick said. “We are a nonprofit organization who provide whatever people need. We have known this family for a long time. When we found out the entire group rallied around them.”
The dinner is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and all that is required is a $10 donation to Brian. There will also be music and an auction at 5:30 p.m.
Due to his infection and low white cell count, Brian will not be able to attend the fundraiser.
“The family is coping with it,” Cookie said. “We are trying to keep a positive attitude. The last surgery was a setback so that is tough. It has taken its toll.”
Brian is getting plenty of support from parents Richard and Cookie, sister Taylor and fiance Melanie.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available at the door or in advance at the Eagles. You can make donations payable to “Brian Roach Benefit.” The Clarkston Eagles are located at 5640 Maybee Road and can be reached at (248) 625-9838.