In 1998, Hillcrest resident Sean Shumaker was just 8 years old when he was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. After almost 2 years of treatment with numerous chemotherapies and other drugs at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, the leukemia came back and subsequently, he then needed another 2 years of treatment, including cranial radiation before he was cured of this horrible disease.

Little did anyone know that in the future, at the age of 17 and now in high school, in 2007, Sean would encounter this disease once again in the form of brain cancer, shown to be a direct result from the treatment from his earlier leukemia. But that didn’t stop Sean. After finding the right hospital & doctors at Duke University in North Carolina, Sean continued his fight with 18 months of chemotherapy and radiation, all while attending high school, college and living his life. Everyone thought the battle had been won.

However, after being off treatment and in remission for one year, the cancer reappeared and challenged him once again. Sadly his fight against this devastating disease came to an end at the age of 21, on January 10th, 2012.

Throughout his life and struggles, Sean remained an inspiration to so many, friends, family and whoever he came into contact with. He maintained an upbeat attitude with a quirky sense of humor. He continued to believe

Community members are invited to attend a Black & White Party and Fundraiser for the Sean’s Standing Strong Memorial Fund on Saturday, November 21st from 7 – 10pm at the Binghamton Club, 83 Front Street in Binghamton. Cost to attend the event is a $40.00 a ticket. Event includes hors d’oeuvres, refreshments & dessert.

The party is open to the public and will feature a cash bar, raffles & silent auction. Party-goers are encouraged to dress fun and casually in black & white.

The black & white theme for the party was Sean’s mother’s idea, who created the non-profit organization as a way to honor and keep her son’s memory alive. “Sean was a very social young man and I think he would be happy we are coming together to have fun and enjoy life,” says Beth Shumaker. She adds, “My memories of Sean will always be close to my heart and I want to continue to share those memories with others. With
this foundation I am able to share Sean's story with people he never met and help other young adults to be strong during their cancer ‘journey’.”

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