TOLEDO, Ohio — The fight against cancer is not supposed to be a solo experience. Inside the Sullivan Center on Monday, Central Catholic High School backed that notion up in a big way.
"I know it makes him feel special, it makes him feel loved and he would've loved tonight," said varsity head coach Corri Stanley.
Before a varsity girls basketball game between Perrysburg and Central Catholic on Monday, the two schools came together in support of 4-year-old Colton Stanley. The Yellow Jackets coaching staff presented a check to the family, followed by a pair of donations from local organizations Perfect Fit and Parker's Purpose.
"The love and support we've received from my Central Catholic family and the Irish community really lifts our spirits, especially on the hard days," Stanley said. "Colton is in a really tough place right now and not feeling the best. Things like this, nights like this, they help us get through."
In July of 2023, two months after returning to coach her alma mater, doctors told Stanley that her son had T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a form of cancer that requires two-and-a-half years of treatment. Although currently in remission, Colton still undergoes intensive chemotherapy with treatment taking place four to five times a week.
"He has to do things that are really hard and that he doesn't want to do, even when he doesn't really feel good," Stanley said. "He's a little warrior and a tough little guy, he truly inspires us every single day."
That inspiration resulted in more than $3,000 collected on Monday for Colton and his family. On top of those funds, Stanley also participated in a ceremonial tip-off and received a personalized basketball courtesy of the Wilson Football Factory — Colton got one, too.
Unfortunately, Colton was unable to experience the benefit himself as he is still recovering to full health.
"This is a process and a journey that I wouldn't want to wish on anybody," Stanley said. "It is unbelievably tough."
Despite the long road ahead, Stanley's family shared their gratitude for everyone's generosity in helping their son.
There will be a 50/50 raffle and basket raffle Tuesday night when the Central Catholic boys host St. John's Jesuit High School at 7:30 p.m.