Eric Shilyuk is a Westfield High School senior who was very recently diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Classmates are selling Bon Ton Community Days coupons to help defray his medical costs.
WESTFIELD – The city is again coming together to help one of its own.
When Westfield High School (WHS) senior Eric Shilyuk was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) late last month, it became clear to all who know him that he would not allow his disease to define him. But to live with CML, Shilyuk must endure many medical treatments.
To help this bright 18 year-old and his family afford the needed treatments, a youcaring.com fund was established and his classmates took action, too.
Kristen Bonsall was one of those friends. An employee at BonTon, Bonsall connected the WHS National Honor Society with the retailer last year to participate in the store’s Community Days, where organizations sell coupon books to the store and receive funds. This year, Bonsall – also the 2015 Westfield St. Patrick’s Parade Colleen – suggested Shilyuk benefit from the Community Days sales.
“We are trying to help raise money for his medical expenses,” Bonsall said. “He will need treatments for the next few years.”
Bonsall and other members of the WHS class will sell the coupons in front of BonTon Feb. 23 and 25 from 1:30-3 p.m. Bonsall said she would also make them available through the high school.
“People can donate directly through his youcaring.com fund,” she added.
Shilyuk, 18, is described by Bonsall as someone who brightens up the room and always has a smile on his face, even now.
“He is undergoing treatment so he comes to school when he can right now, but he is still smiling,” said Bonsall.
Captain of the varsity soccer and upcoming captain of the varsity volleyball team, Shilyuk has always found a balance among his academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities, according to his youcaring.com profile.
During the last week of January 2015, he suffered from a high fever and developed a blind spot in his left eye. After specialists attempted and failed to find the cause of his blind spot, he was sent to the hospital for additional blood tests. The results came back with the diagnosis of CML and he was hospitalized for a week while doctors rushed to figure out a treatment plan.
Despite the diagnosis, his faith and positive attitude has allowed him to accept his disease and continue living with an optimistic outlook for his future.
Bonsall said Shilyuk is planning to keep up with his studies and graduate on time, with college plans to attend Western New England University.
Visit www.youcaring.com and search Eric Shilyuk to make a donation. Nearly $5,000 has been raised online already.
