A daylong event Saturday at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds will benefit a 3-year-old Houston boy with terminal cancer.
Liam Myrick was diagnosed in July 2011 with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. His family was told two weeks ago that his disease is terminal.
The event will raise funds for Liam’s family to offset medical and travel expenses. More importantly, organizer Laura Crowley said, it will be a day to celebrate alongside Liam.
“If this was your child or family, what would you want your neighbors to do?” Crowley said. “Because we know time is limited, we’re asking that everyone come and make it the best day possible for a 3-year-old boy and his family.”
Highlights of the day include a BIGFOOT display, jumps by FMX biker, and bike show judged by Liam. His sister, Natasha, will sing the national anthem with a friend. It will conclude with a flyover from Scott Air Force Base. Shannon Tucker is singing a song that evening he wrote for Liam.
Many items will be sold throughout the day. Paintings designed by Liam –– nicknamed the “Pint-Sized Picasso” while he was at St. Louis Children’s Hospital –– will be available. There will also be bracelets, T-shirts, calendars, bumper stickers and ribbons to support Team Liam.
A pie auction will be held beginning at 11 a.m. by Bruce Scheets. He will also help auction off donated items –– including Stan Musial and David Freese autographed memorabilia, St. Louis Cardinals tickets, professional artwork and more –– from 3-6 p.m.
Crowley said the Myricks have been overwhelmed by the amount of items donated. Crowley said anyone wishing to offer support can contact her at 417-967-5678 or 417-217-0901. She said she is still seeking pies for the auction.
“It’s been amazing to see the community wrap their arms around this family,” Crowley said. “This town has gone above and beyond. It completely renews your faith in your town when people pull together for such a great cause.”
Bounce houses and a face painting booth will be set up for children. There will be opportunities to give blood and register to become a bone marrow donor. Musical acts will perform during the day as well.
The night will conclude with a candle vigil, followed by a fireworks show. Liam will have a detonator to set off the finale.
A donation of $10 per person or $50 per vehicle is requested but not required. Food will be available to purchase. Crowley said organizers are asking that persons not bring coolers or their own food to the event. There will also be no alcohol allowed and smoking only in designated areas.
“Forget the financial part of it,” Crowley said, “they just need people to love them.”
If this was your child or family, what would you want your neighbors to do? Because we know time is limited, we’re asking that everyone come and make it the best day possible for a 3-year-old boy and his family.”