Naples boy fighting cancer becomes deputy for the day at fundraiser

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – More than 100 people showed their support for a cancer-fighting three-year-old on Sunday at a carnival held to raise money or his treatment.

Damian Creed has been fighting a rare form of eye cancer for about a year and a half. His family recently learned that the cancer has spread to his brain.

“He’s gone through chemo for a year, he ended up losing his eye in July. His followup MRI in September showed that the cancer had metastasized to his brain,” Amy Serdahl, who organized the fundraiser explained.

Damian and his parents, Sarah Hancock and Ron Creed–who are both veterans–are now living part-time in Jacksonville while he starts six weeks of proton radiation treatment.

“It’s tough. I can’t work now, I’m with him full time,” his mother said.

The superhero-themed fundraiser was held at the American Legion Post 303 in Bonita Springs to help raise money for the family. Several booths were set up, live music played throughout the event, and there were even hayrides.

“Today’s a good day, he had some cotton candy.”

Even Sheriff Mike Scott with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stopped by to give Damian his own badge an ID card. He says the little boy has a lot of qualities that other Lee County deputies have.

“He’s got character, he’s got fight, he’s got moxie,” Sheriff Scott said. “He’s a spunky little fella.”

“I think he’s more powerful than the other deputies because he’s the superhero, he’s got super powers! He’s beating cancer,” Serdahl said.

At least $15,700 was raised at the carnival. Damian starts his second week of radiation treatment on Monday.