Hello to the many friends and fans of Chris Di Cesare, the Ghost Boy of Erie Hall and SUNY Geneseo. Like many of you, I have enjoyed his public appearances, presentations, as well as the conversations that I have had with him. I believe Chris when he shares his reflections on the experiences inside of Erie Hall, and I believe in him as a person. I have seen him light up a room with his passion for life, and have witnessed his sense of humor bring smiles to even the saddest of faces.
It is with great concern that I share with you that Chris was recently diagnosed with a rare form of retinal cancer. He underwent multiple surgeries during the first week of June at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He is now at home recovering and it appears to have been successful in removing the cancer from his eye.
But he and his family will be facing many challenges: physical, emotional, and financial. That is why, as his publisher and his friend, I decided to make his book – The Ghost Boy of Erie Hall – which had been scheduled for an October release (in conjunction with the upcoming mini-series) available immediately! Copies of the special Ghost Boy Strong Edition of the book are now available via the ghostboystrong.com website. Additional Ghost Boy Strong items will be added in the coming weeks. So please continue to check back.
We are going to keep the fundraiser active through August for Chris. The proceeds from the sale of the books and merchandise will go to assist Chris and his family with the many challenges ahead. Many of you have asked if there is more that you can do to assist Chris. In response to your generosity, I am setting up this fundraiser to further raise funds to assist Chris and his family with the financial strain this has caused on them. As you might suspect, Chris is not able to work and has used up his sick time allotment. He is no longer paid for any sick days.
Chris wishes me to share that he is eternally grateful for all of the love and support that was sent his way and humbled by your generosity. Although more procedures lay ahead, he knows that he is not in this alone. You all have made a huge difference and he mentioned he felt your love. Thank you!
Bill Edwards, Publisher
CITA Ventures