Fund-raiser exceeds expectations

Friends, family assemble to remember courageous teen
Daily Tribune Staff Writer

CLAWSON - Jimmy Marvin, a courageous young man who lost his life to cancer in 2004, made a positive impression on others in the 19 years he was alive. Friends and family recently gathered to show that they still love and remember him.  The "Spring into Life" fund-raiser benefiting the Jimmy Marvin Memorial Scholarship Fund raised more than $19,000. Jim and Maggie Marvin, along with their kids Shaun, Heather and Joe, hosted the party March 25 in Madison Heights.  The Marvins say the benefit went well: They had more than 600 people enjoy dinner, live music provided by the Teen Angels and other live bands, raffles and silent auctions.  "We think everyone had a good time," said the Marvins in an e-mail to the Daily Tribune. "We've had a lot of good comments from people. They say they'll be back next year and will bring more friends."

  Their late son was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 1999 after he experienced pains in his right ankle. He was a 14-year-old Clawson High freshman at the time.  Hobbled by the disease and rounds of chemotherapy, Jimmy decided to have doctors amputate his right leg below the knee so he could once again play football. With the help of a special prosthesis, Jimmy went back to training and playing football, eventually acquiring his varsity letter.  Jimmy's cancer, however, came back several years later in the lining of his lungs and eventually took his life Jan. 31, 2004.

  The Marvin family has held two prior fund-raising events, and were able to raise a cumulative $20,000.

  The Marvins select high school seniors in Clawson to receive the scholarship money, which is awarded each May.  They said the scholarship was Jimmy's idea before he died.  

Kathy and Ernie Martyniuk posing with Jimmy

Contact Elizabeth A. Katz at elizabeth.katz@dailytribune.com or 248-591-2515.

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