Varsity football player #52, Jayelen Gray (on the left), found out he has cancer about six weeks ago. Vandegrift teammates and the entire community shows their support during a carwash on Oct. 17.
By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Photos by Stephanie Collins, Wendy Segina
The Vandegrift community pulled together to host a fundraising car wash recently for Jayelen Gray, a VHS sophomore and varsity football player who is fighting cancer.
About six weeks ago, after a couple of early season games, Gray — who wears #52 and is a Viper defensive lineman — told teammates that he has cancer. He continues to be a part of the team as much as possible since the diagnosis and comes to practices and encourages players on the sidelines.
The VHS football teams, coaches, cheerleaders and football parents organized a car wash on Oct. 17 in Steiner Ranch to help raise money for medical expenses.
Event organizers stated that the car wash was held “to honor and raise funds for a very special teammate, #52 Jayelen Gray, in his courageous fight.”
Jayelen Gray, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, helped at the carwash in his honor on Oct. 17. His uncle and cousins, who he lives with, were there to help.
“It was hugely successful and our community is amazing. We were able to raise over $13,000 and never once had a lull in the amount of cars,” said Jade Ausley, event volunteer.
The Viper Football Booster Club was accepting donations for Gray’s journey ahead including hospital stays and expected travel expenses to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. A formal donation link was being worked on at the time of this report and will be updated upon completion.
“Truly an amazing event of a community pulling together,” said Stephanie Collins, event volunteer.