By Michael Carman

FORKS’ BOOSTER CLUB members will support an Elma opponent fighting leukemia by raffling off a gift basket at Friday’s Spartans-Eagles boys and girls basketball doubleheader.

Boys head coach Rick Gooding said that Torres, a senior at Elma, and a football and basketball player for the Eagles, has been diagnosed with the disease.

Jesus Torres began an eight-month long round of chemotherapy treatments in Seattle on Nov. 1.

He and his family have been aided by fundraising efforts by booster clubs in Shelton, Aberdeen and league rival Montesano.

“Honestly, I’m just very thankful about how all these communities are coming together,” Torres told the [Aberdeen] Daily World last year. “It’s like the day after [I was diagnosed], they were already starting fundraisers for me, which is pretty amazing.

His father, who is staying with him in Seattle and shares the same name, also expressed his gratitude.

“I’m very thankful for anybody who is willing to help my son,” the elder Torres said. “I’m proud of him and all my other kids also. This guy here, he’s very strong and is already planning his life ahead. I think this is going to be a little bump in his life. The support will make him even stronger than he already is. We just want to thank everybody.

“Our goal is to get Jesus all better.”

An account for the benefit of Jesus Torres and his family has been set up at the Elma branch of Our Community Credit Union, 306 S. 7th Street. Interested parties can visit the branch to donate or call 360-426-9701 for more information.