Oswego County TodayJulian’s Army Turns Out In Force At Fundraiser

SCRIBA, NY – Hundreds of people, young and old, dedicated part of their holiday weekend to supporting a youngster most have never actually met. Still, they all consider Julian Ross a part of their family.

Hundreds of people turned out Saturday to support Julian Ross.

A spaghetti dinner benefit was held Saturday at the Old Timers’ Inn.

Dozens of volunteers wandered through the large crowd selling 50-50 chances and tickets for the many raffles on the huge variety of donated items. Many other volunteers helped out in the kitchen and at the cake booth.

“My legs ache,” one volunteer said late Saturday afternoon. “But that’s nothing compared to what Julian is going through. I’m glad that so many people have turned out to support him.”

Julian was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma on August 4, 2011. He was just 6 years old. In early March, 9-year-old Julian was put on Hospice care.

A young man checks out some of the many items available in the raffles.

He has been undergoing some tests at at Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP).

“This is something no child should ever go,” said Jennifer Losurdo of Team Julian, the grassroots group spearheading the benefit.”

Julian has been sleeping almost the entire day; he wakes up at points to peek, smile, blow kisses and drink, Julian’s dad, Steve, said, adding, (Julian) is resting comfortably.

“All of us appreciate the visits and mail because it only shows the love that people have for our son,” he said Friday. “These last few days have been stressful for us because we are all worried about Julian. Please keep thinking positive thoughts and please keep him I your prayers. I’m praying tomorrow brings a better day.”

People at the benefit could jot down well wishes for Julian and place them in a container to be delivered as one big gift.

Funds raised at Saturday’s event will help Julian’s family pay its bills.

“Things went very well. We raised $6,600. We are trying to get the family the money they need for all of their expenses,” Losurdo explained. “Right now, they are in Philadelphia (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).”

On the Julian’s Joust Facebook page, Julian’s parents posted: (We) want to give a shout out to Amy, Dani, Jen, and all the amazing staff who threw little man an incredible benefit today. The pictures and videos are incredibly touching. Thank you so much!

To learn more about Julian, visit www.juliansjoust.com