SWAMPSCOTT — The annual flag football game between Swampscott and Marblehead on Saturday, Nov. 23 will be centered around something much bigger than just touchdowns.
Instead, a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Walker family to help its 3-year-old son, River, as he bravely battles medulloblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer that affects fewer than 500 people annually throughout the United States. Contingent on his health, River will be expected to flip the coin toss to start the game.
According to the website set up in support of River (riverwalk2024.com), medulloblastoma is a rare brain and spinal cord cancer that originates in the cerebellum or posterior fossa, the part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, and other complex motor functions. It primarily impacts children and can spread rapidly.
“His parents have been amazing the whole way, from navigating the trouble of having to move closer to St. Jude’s, and also caring for their two young twins,” said River’s great aunt, Kris Dishman. “They’ve really just been amazing.”
“They’ve been really touched by the outpouring of support from the community,” Dishman said.
The walker family has come a long way since River’s initial diagnosis back in November of 2023. A month after he was diagnosed, they moved from Florida to Memphis, Tennessee so that River could be treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With two surgeries under his belt, River began an intense chemotherapy treatment in January of 2024. Then, in September, River completed chemotherapy and began radiation treatment as the next step in his journey.
River finished his radiation treatment in October, and has returned to Swampscott to spend the holiday season with friends and family. As River turned three, he continued battling his diagnosis with strength and determination.
Proceeds from the game will help the Walker family with both medical expenses and living costs as they finish strong at St. Jude, before returning back to New England to be with more family.
Currently, with roughly 385 donations on River’s GoFundMe page, the Walker family has raised $45,771 thanks to the help of friends, family and community members who came together in support of River.
To stay updated with River’s story, community members are encouraged to visit riverwalk2024.com, or follow his Instagram account @river_w_strong.