Easton “Buddy” Perrine rides in a custom car made for him by PopPop’s Kustom Kars. He was diagnosed with cancer before his third birthday,
Mantua residents Jennifer Buck and Ashley Levinson helped organize the Buddy Day Celebration Walk in Pitman on May 4 to honor and support 3-year-old Easton “Buddy” Perrine, who is battling brain cancer.
He was diagnosed with the disease two days before his third birthday, according to Levinson, and has already undergone several treatments.
The boy underwent chemo and a stem cell transplant in March, but he and his parents recently received the disappointing news from doctors that they have done all they can for Buddy and discouraged further treatment.
“He’s been through chemo, surgery and STEM cell and has posterior fossa syndrome,” noted Levinson,
referring to the process of regaining some neurological functions after a brain tumor is removed. “So he’s re-learning to walk, talk, eat, etc. The medical team thinks they can prolong time with radiation, which he will start soon, and the family is hopeful there may be other options for treatments and new therapies.”
Hundreds of participants turned for the walk to support Buddy; his mom, Taylor; his three siblings, Sienna, Skylar and Emme; and their grandparents, Thomas and Stephanie Mecouch. Local organizations, community groups, special guests and bands were on hand as well. They included representatives of the Philadelphia Eagles; the state police; the 501st Legion; PopPop’s Kustom Kars; state Sen. John Burzichelli; assembly members Heather Simmons and Dave Bailey, Jr.; and Gloucester County Commissioner Jim Jefferson.
The event began with Burzichelli, Bailey, Simmons and Jefferson presenting the Perrine family with a proclamation making May 4 Buddy Day in the county and the state legislative District 3, which also includes Cumberland and Salem counties.
“We lift up the entire Perrine and Mecouch family,” noted Simmons, “who surround Buddy with endless love …”
The state police presented a proclamation named Buddy as an honorary state trooper and his sisters as junior state troopers. Other celebrations included the the Eagles recreating their Super Bowl celebrations – Buddy is a big fan of Philadelphia sports – and visits from characters such as Mickey Mouse, Elsa and Spider-Man.
Those interested in supporting the family and learning about their journey can follow the TEAM BUDDY (all upper case) page on Facebook.
“The day was created to share love and inspire Buddy to keep fighting,” Levinson emphasized. “Most importantly, the community accomplished this by showing up to send the message that the family and Buddy will not walk this journey alone.”
