'Scramble' to support man

SANDUSKY — A beloved man known for his many passions and generosity now faces a life-altering illness. And those who know him best are rallying around him during these trying times. Earlier this year, doctors diagnosed Gavin Nace — a longtime Sandusky resident who attended Perkins High School and, most recently, worked as a delivery driver for Pizza Hut — with a rare form of cancer. It's preventing him from working and enjoying life. Some of his favorite activities include taking road trips, going on vacations and, most notably, spending time with friends and family members. An upcoming golf scramble aims to generate funds for his cancer treatments and other necessary costs. Gavin's girlfriend, Thalia Ruiz, recently put together a statement to give community members some context: • The initial setback: "On April 11, Gavin wasn't feeling quite like himself and decided to go to the ER. We're so grateful he listened to his body because what doctors found was completely unexpected: a brain tumor. (From a local hospital), we were transferred to University Hospital's main campus where he underwent brain surgery to test fluid and a portion of the tumor for biopsy. After surgery, we learned there were not just one but two tumors in his brain." • The heartache: "Eleven days after losing his grandmother — Deborah Nace, who he called 'mom-mom,' who was like a second mom to him — to a short battle with pancreatic cancer, he's now facing his own battle." • The diagnosis: "After recovering in the ICU, Gavin was able to come home around Easter and has been resting and healing ever since. Because the type of tumor is so rare and typically found in children — Gavin is 25 — we were referred to UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. There he was diagnosed with germinoma, a rare form of brain cancer." • The aftermath: "This journey hasn't been easy. Gavin can't work or drive right now, and our day-to-day lives have shifted dramatically. Gavin has completed three of four chemo treatments with six weeks of radiation to follow. We are hopeful that further surgery won't be needed after. He's spent the past three months in isolation, mostly for fear of getting sick. His blood counts are low from chemo." • The optimistic outlook: "But through it all, we've been lifted by the love and support of our family, friends and community. Our moms have been our strength, and my job has been kind enough to give me time to be by Gavin's side." • The message: "We're not great at asking for help, but if you feel led to support Gavin's journey — whether by sending a prayer, donating to this event or helping with daily needs — it means more than we can ever say. Thank you for being part of our village. We love and appreciate you more than you know." Want to help? There are two primary ways people can help Gavin Nace. All proceeds from either benefit Nace and his cancer diagnosis. 1. Golf scramble • What: A nine-hole golfing event is planned, which includes a dinner. People can participate in either the golf outing or the dinner event. Different packages and sponsorship opportunities are available. • Where: The golf scramble takes place at Mills Creek Golf Course, 1933 Mills St., Sandusky; The dinner takes place at Kokomos at the Keys, 4115 Boos Road, Huron. • When: Both events occur on Friday, July 18. The golf scramble begins at 5:15 p.m. Winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. at Kokomos. • How: People must register by Wednesday, July 16. To do so, people can stop at Kokomos or call Dan Sharp at 419-616-0080. 2. Direct donations People can send funds to Nace or his girlfriend, Thalia Ruiz via: • Cash App — $GavinNace or $tlruiz54 • Venmo: @tlr1154 People can also contact Nace's mother, Amanda Nace, at 419-208-5035.