Fundraiser rallies around Remi

SANDUSKY — Several people came out to the Halos & Hope Kids Haircut event on Sunday at Halo Beauty Lounge in downtown Sandusky to support Remi Floro, 3. In total, the event raised $800. This included a donation from Bake Erie, Halo's neighbor within the Marketplace Downtown. "Thank you so much for joining us ... and helping Halo root for Remi," according to an event statement. Remi's mother, Payton Herevia, works as a stylist at Halo. "So much love and support shared today by so many people. We loved seeing all the smiles," the statement noted. Rooting for Remi All proceeds benefited Remi as he fights a leukemia diagnosis. Diagnosed with T-cell leukemia, his body produces too many abnormal white blood cells in his bone marrow. This abnormality means he can't fight infections properly, and it can spread to other parts of the body, causing various health problems. All summer, Remi has received treatment and undergone procedures for his leukemia diagnosis at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. Earlier this month, Herevia received results from his bone marrow biopsy, which showed no measurable leukemia — "a huge milestone that confirmed his induction treatment phase is working," she said. "He has now entered the 'consolidation' phase, a more intense round of chemotherapy, six different kinds, aimed at destroying any lingering cancer cells that don't show up in tests," said Herevia, of Port Clinton. Amid all this, Remi also continues to undergo physical therapy and needs to keep going for at least two years. "He spent several weeks in and out of the hospital, mostly lying in bed, which caused weakness in his legs and had difficulty walking," Herevia said. "We're slowly helping him build that strength back at home." Doctors estimate full recovery could take upward of three years. "This is a long journey, but we're committed to seeing it through," Payton said. People can learn more about Remi and donate for the family's ongoing medical care, travel expenses and basic living costs, since Herevia cares for Remi on a 24/7 basis, by visiting linktr.ee/remistrong or following the "Rooting for Remi" Facebook page.