The Niles Star

Niles is here for family

Dear editor:

To the Niles community,

It has been more than one year since Johnny “Toad” Brawley was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon and metastatic liver disease. The diagnosis was devastating to our entire family. From the moment of his diagnosis, our community, friends and family set out on a mission to provide for its own. We have been blessed by never having an un-met need.

On July 17, our community gave the most amazing birthday bash to a man they know as “Toad.” The attendance was overwhelming and the show of support and love for one of its own should make the community of Niles very proud.

We are that community — the community that helps when someone is down and provides every need whenever possible. Businesses and individuals alike have ensured our stability and our ability to keep Johnny comfortable for as long as is necessary. That is a gift immeasurable.

I am overwhelmed daily by the amount of people that want to help care for Johnny. Each offer is sincere and appreciated immensely. As I have said, we are so blessed to have our needs met, but we know that when a need does arise, this community is there for us and will take up whatever the task may be.

We have often joked that we never “got out” of Niles. Johnny and I both grew up, graduated and chose to stay in our hometown with our families. We wanted our children to grow up and know what our childhoods were like and to attend the same schools and play on the same sports fields. They have witnessed firsthand what being a part of a close community means their whole lives, but never so much as over the past year. They were amazed, as were we, at the turn out of close to 1,000 people at Johnny’s birthday party. You can’t find that response just anywhere. But you can find it in Niles.

“Thanks” isn’t a big enough word to encompass all the emotions we have for this community and for the amazing birthday bash provided for Johnny. To everyone involved, we are forever grateful for your time, hard work and generosity. Our friends and family came together to provide an event that will never be forgotten. Each of you will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

We will forever be proud to say that we are from Niles. Thanks to every one of you.

Sincerely,

Johnny “Toad” and Pam Brawley

Quinn and Jake Brawley

Niles