02/29/12 As Plymouth High School 2010 graduate Eric Day continues his treatments in Bloomington for a brain tumor his friends, family, and hopefully the entire community is stepping up to help.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, the PHS Pep Club and Bruce’s “Big Grill” BBQ along with organizer Kelsey Flynn will be holding a St. Paddy’s DAY Run. The event will feature a 5K run and a 1 mile Leprechaun walk.

Eric had already undergone treatment for the tumor in October of 2010. Eric was then attending Indiana State University and had come home to Plymouth for a few days. After he began having severe headaches and flu-like symptoms that didn’t subside, a CT scan was performed that pinpointed the tumor. By October 26 he was in Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he spent the next 23 days-17 in the critical care unit.

Now after going for what was considered a routine follow-up MRI on December 6, 2011, Eric is in Bloomington undergoing Proton radiation treatment after it was discovered that his tumor was growing again. The Proton Radiation Center in Bloomington is only one of nine facilities in the country to offer the specialized treatment.

On January 26, 2012 Eric began the first of 30 daily treatments (Monday-Friday) that will not end until March 8. Each treatment requires him to stay perfectly still while strapped in a gurney and lasts for approximately 45 minutes. His mother Lori and father Ron take turns staying with him.

Eric is known for his determination. Following his first round of treatments in Methodist Hospital in 2010, he returned to ISU, took his finals, and finished with respectable GPA.

Lori Day said, “The support of the community is overwhelming.” She said when she saw the upcoming event being held for Eric by the Pep Club she broke down. She said, “This is very humbling that so many are supporting and helping us.”

Eric spends much of his time at the center helping others cope. His mother said, “It’s something to see him playing with the kids and getting them to laugh and giggle.”

Eric’s sister Katie said not being able to be with Eric and her parents on a daily basis has been difficult. She has traveled to Bloomington three times from Indianapolis and tries to eat at least one meal a week with a family member. She said, “I talk to Eric several times each day on the phone, follow him on Facebook and exchange emails.”

Katie will be graduating from Butler University within a few weeks. But with the family’s usual optimism, Katie is expecting Eric to be one of groomsmen at her wedding on May 20. Katie too expressed her appreciation for the Plymouth community. She said, “Everyone in Plymouth has been very supportive. It’s a place I can always call home.”

The St. Paddy’s DAY Run will start at the PHS football field. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the race/run will start at 10:00 a.m. Fees to join are $20 for adults and $15 for students and will include a T-shirt. Bruce’s BBQ will be available throughout the event.

Carol Anders Correspondent