Members of the West Side Konnekshun pose with Shaheem during the presentation. L-R Kacy Frett (Treasurer), Krystal Frett (Member), Shaheem Richards, Ronald Evans (President), Shaheem's Father, Dashan 'Mouse' Hodge (PRO), Kedimone Rubaine (Secretary) and Shelane Penn (Member). Photo: VINO

Richards expressed appreciation for the gesture and said he was thankful for what the group had done on his behalf. Photo: VINO

Shaheem Richards (centre with red cap) with his parents and members of the WestSide Konnekshun group during the previous fundraiser. Photo: supplied

Shaheem (in cap) receives a cheque for $2500 from the West Side Konnekshun Group on July 3, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Entry is free for the event which starts at 4:30 P.M. but patrons are encouraged to make donations where possible. Image: supplied

The simple presentation was made following a fish fry and basketball fundraising exercise held on December 14, 2013 at Romney Park in West End. The group was able to present a cheque for $1500 to Richards on this occasion towards his outstanding medical bills.

Richards expressed appreciation for the gesture and said he was thankful for what the group had done on his behalf. He explained that he had so far done five medical check ups which revealed that his cancer is completely in remission.

He was previously diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and was treated in Puerto Rico for the condition.

Public Relations Officer of WSK, Mr Dashan ‘Mouse’ Hodge said although the group did not have the same level of support as the previous event, he was happy with the amount raised.

The scores for the games were not recorded but Young Starts defeated Jr Gunners and Surfers defeated Flyers.

See previous story posted December 7, 2013:

2nd fundraiser for cancer survivor set for Dec. 14

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – WestSide Konnekshun (WSk) has proven true to its promise in announcing a second fundraiser for 15-year-old cancer survivor, Shaheem Richards to aid in the payment of his outstanding medical bills.

Scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Benjamin A. Romney Park, the exercise will once again take the form of a fish fry and exhibition games, including two 40+games and a 9-12 game.

Entry is free for the event which starts at 4:30 P.M. but patrons are encouraged to make donations where possible.

The group previously donated $2500 to Richards as proceeds from a fundraiser held in June, 2013.

Cat5 will come up against Hurricane and Surfers will face Flyers in the two 40+ games while Young Stars will come up against JR Gunners.

Public Relations Officer of WSK, Dashan Hodge said the group had previously promised to have a second fundraiser for Richards and it was a unanimous decision that this be done before Christmas this year. “We couldn’t think of a better gift to give this time of year to somebody in much need,” Hodge stated.

Richards had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (ALM) and returned to the Territory from Puerto Rico fully recovered after undergoing months of intense therapy.

His family was left with a medical bill amounting to $500,000 and the WestSide Konnekshun non-profit group answered a call for assistance in hosting the fundraising activity.

Richards mother, Scharmarla Springette-Richards, also encouraged members of the corporate community of the Virgin Islands to respond to the family's appeals for assistance.