BALDWINSVILLE -- Friends and family say he would have done anything for anyone. Sadly, 11-year-old Wayne Dodge was taken from them too soon.
Wayne lost his battle with leukemia Thursday. A benefit Saturday in Baldwinsville was originally scheduled to help raise money for medical expenses and raise awareness about the need for bone marrow donations. But instead of cancelling it, friends and family held it anyway -- saying it's what Wayne would have wanted.
"He'd be up there tickled that all these people came out on this kind of a day, to celebrate him and help the kids that still need (it)," said his Aunt Shawn Brown.
Wayne was waiting for a bone marrow transplant at Golisano Children's Hospital. At the benefit, people had a chance to see if they were a possible match for any patient in need. His aunt said that, alone, would have meant the world to him.
"It was important to my nephew and it's important for our family," Brown said.
And while Wayne is no longer with his family and friends, they are thinking of him and cherishing memories.
"You couldn't help but love him," said Karrie LaMacchia, family friend, "He had so many friends and would have done anything for anyone.
"He was a tremendous kid and he would have had a terrific future," Brown said. "He was very bright and very talented...he could have done anything he wanted.
LaMacchia said more than $11,000 dollars was raised today. That money will go toward funeral expenses. The rest, she says, will be donated to Golisano. LaMacchia also said roughly 100 people signed up for the National Bone Marrow Registry and an additional 50 presents were donated to the hospital along with leftover food from the benefit.
Money from the benefit will help pay for Wayne's funeral. If you would like to donate, checks can be made out to the Wayne Dodge Benefit. There is an account set up at Alliance Bank in Baldwinsville.
