WNY joins a child's fight with cancer

LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New Yorkers turned out in force Sunday night to help a four year old recovering from a rare disease.

Blake Gradl was diagnosed earlier this year with Burkitt's Lymphoma, which only occurs about 300 times a year across the country.

The young hockey fanatic had to undergo intense chemotherapy at Women and Children's hospital.

Sunday night's benefit in Lancaster will go towards cancer research and Blake's college fund.

Blake's father, Gerald said, "It's a very tough cancer. It happens real fast and it's treatable real fast, but we went through a tough, tough six months."

"It means a lot. It's just amazing to see all of our friends and family, that they've come together for such a good cause and for Blake," added Blake's mother Debbie.

To make a donation, Please make check payable to: Blake Gradl Benefit
and Mail to: First Niagara Bank 5075 Broadway, Lancaster, N.Y. 14086