Hundreds Turn Out To Support Teen Fighting Cancer: Photos

GREENPORT, NY — Love so strong it was palpable drew a crowd of hundreds to Claudio's Clam Bar and Wharf Friday night, as the many who care about Dylan Newman gathered — a veritable army — to join him in his fight against cancer.

The "Team Dylan #5 Fundraiser" was held for Dylan, a 14-year old Southold boy fighting Ewing's Sarcoma who is currently undergoing chemo sessions and surgeries.

Out on the dock, surrounded by scores of caring supporters, Dylan's smile was bright as he talked and laughed with his many friends.

The event featured live music, raffles, and auctions — all funds raised from the raffles, auction and evening tickets will be donated to his family to offset medical costs for Dylan's treatments.

Community support has been shining strong for Dylan, with a series of fundraisers including a "Dash for Dylan" fundraiser in June that brought more than 400 to the Southold Junior/Senior High School gym.

A YouCaring page, "Team Dylan, #5" has been set up for Dylan, "a 14-year old, full of love and life. He loves his sports — especially baseball!" the page says. "He has an amazing family that loves him more than he could ever know and the greatest friends that will always have his back."

However, their family was hit with devastating news.

"This boy has been thrown a real curve ball," the page says. "Our #5 is 'In It To Win It' but will need our support."

The goal is to raise funds to help Dylan, along with his parents, Todd and Tanya, and sister Kelsey with the financial burdens they will endure as Dylan receives treatment in New York City.

To donate, click here.

An army of angels also teamed up to "Pack The Shack" at another fundraiser, "Food For A Cause," held in June at The North Fork Shack.

Kait's Angels also donated proceeds of its Designer Handbag Wingoand Poker Run and Pig Roast to Dylan and to Matthew Rolle, a young dad who is also battling cancer.

Dylan's father Todd Newman said his whole family is grateful for outpouring of caring from a devoted community. "We have an army behind us to beat this," he said. "This community has been so good to us."

And, Newman said, when his son emerges victorious from his battle, they plan to spend a lifetime giving back all the love their family has received. "When all this is said and done, I guarantee my son and our whole family will be giving back," he said.

His son, Newman said, is a born athlete, one of the talented eighth grade varsity baseball players in Southold. "We can't wait to get him back on that field," he said.

Right now, Newman said, their whole family — and an entire North Fork army of angels — is focused on Dylan's recovery: "Our slogan is, 'One year of crap, for a lifetime of success,'" he said.

Patch photo courtesy Newman family.