Boy With Rare Cancer Finds Support in North Canton Area Young Professionals

Tucker Gromosiak has a support group miles long.

The 7-year-old Hudson boy is being cheered on by folks from Hudson down to North Canton as he battles a rare form of muscular cancer. 

The North Canton Jaycees and JAX young professionals have joined forces to support Tucker in his fight against Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Prostate (Rhabdo for short). They'll host a guest-bartending fundraiser at the Barrel Room from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 26 to raise money for Tucker.

T.J. Murphy, JAX new member coordinator and fundraiser organizer, said he's especially moved by Tucker's story.

"He's a twin, and I have twin boys," Murphy said. "I could just see how that can be traumatic for a family. I put myself in his dad's shoes, and I just couldn't imagine ..."

Murphy's family had benefited from a toy drive at the Barrel Room in April 2012 after his house was burned in a fire that started next door. Thankful, Murphy told Barrel Room owner Adam Todd he'd be there if Todd ever needed a favor.

Todd, a friend of Tucker's family, took Murphy up on his offer and invited the JAX group in for the guest-bartending event.

The event will feature a silent auction as well as a 50/50 raffle. All tips and a portion of that night's sales will be donated toward the cause.

Can't make it to the event but still want to help out? Visit any First Merit to donate to the Tucker Gromosiak Benevolent Fund.