Aid for the warriors: Fundraiser for Warrior Wagons’ is April 20
Published 9:15 am Saturday, April 7, 2018
- Drew Becker enjoys some finger painting during his hospitalization at Mayo Clinic Hospitals-Saint Marys campus. Photo provided
When Josh and Heidi Becker lost their son, Drew, in 2017, they knew they wanted to do something for other children who were newly-diagnosed with cancer — the same disease that took Drew at the age of 2.
Now, with the help of an upcoming fundraiser and support from family and friends, the Beckers will continue their mission to provide comfort to children and their families who are undergoing cancer treatments. Just a few months after Drew’s death, the couple gave away their first “Warrior Wagon,” a soft-material Radio Flyer wagon in which the child could lay and rest between cancer treatment and appointments while being pulled by a parent.
Heidi and Joshua Becker with their daughter Molly sit with a picture of Drew. Through Drew’s fight with neuroblastoma the family has found a way to help others through “Warrior Wagons.” Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Since they gifted that first wagon, 28 more have been given to children undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic Hospital- Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, thanks to the Beckers and generous donors.
It’s not just the wagon that is being given away — each one is filled with items given them and found particularly useful when they spent time with Drew at Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Engenio Litta Children’s Hospital, located on the Saint Marys campus. Items range from a quilt and adult-sized towels, to games, gift cards and DVDs, just to name a few of the many items gifted with the wagons.
“These are small things, but they make a difference,” said Heidi.
Memorial money given at the time of Drew’s death was used to purchase items and the wagons. Now, Josh and Heidi have created a 501c3 non-profit organization that will provide a place where donations can be made. Several have given to the mission, but the Becker’s want to continue with the wagons, and perhaps even expand their reach.
For more on the Warrior Wagon program, keep an eye out for the May-June edition of Austin Living Magazine, out towards the end of the month.
A free-will donation dinner will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches, pizza, side dishes and desserts. Also on hand will be tractor rides, kids activities; silent auction, cash bar and T-shirt sales. A short presentation will be held at 7 p.m.
For more information on Warrior Wagons, go to the couple’s website at: http://www.warriorwagonsinc.com/
