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Star Wars Characters Come To Wausau To Help 9-Year-Old Boy's Benefit

Posted: 1:42 PM Apr 22, 2012
Reporter: Al Knox

Kyle Pagel Benefit

A Wausau boy who overcame cancer is living his dream today thanks to the help of family friends, and those in the community.

For nearly two years, nine-year-old Kyle Pagel battled a rare type of cancer called neuroblastoma. It’s usually found in infants and younger children. As a result, Kyle had to have an adrenal gland removed, as well as two stem cell transplants.

Now friends of the Pagel family are stepping up and helping pay for the thousands of dollars of hospital bills they still need to pay. Friends started the Kyle Pagel Benefit. Last week, people in the community could buy $25 dollar vouchers, to be apart of a scavenger hunt.

All week, they had to collect signatures at various businesses, and turn them back in to the Great Dane Restaurant in Wausau, for a chance to win an $800 grand prize.

Today, the benefit wrapped up, with hundreds of people wanting to help Kyle’s cause. Kyle’s dad, Brad says this past week has shown him alot about the generosity of the Wausau community. "It just goes to show how many good people there are in this community, and around the area. I’m hoping to someday help families like this. Someday I’d love to do this for another family. Were just so grateful"

The benefit also brought in star wars characters, Kyle’s favorite movie. The characters were from Wisconsin based 501'st Legion. The group works with agencies like the Make-A-Wish Foundation to make the dreams of children, going through tough times come true.

The drawing for the winner of the week long scavenger hunt fundraiser was drawn Sunday afternoon.