After West Chester University student Frederick “Fred” Flemming was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, the WCU community launched a fundraising initiative called Fight For Fred. Fight For Fred, also known as #Fight4Fred, has become a support group that uses social media as an outlet to raise awareness and support for Flemming’s fight against cancer.
Flemming, a third-year professional studies major specializing in political science, is an involved student on campus. He is vice president of the Zeta Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha and a resident assistant through the Office of Residence Life and Housing Services. He enjoys working with kids and hopes to one day make that passion a career by opening a youth center to help guide young people in the local area.
This past September, Flemming was diagnosed with aggressive Burkitt’s Lymphoma and is currently seeking treatment at the University of Penn Hospital in Philadelphia.
A growing movement on WCU’s campus, #Fight4Fred seeks to lighten Flemming’s financial burden. #Fight4Fred has a Facebook group and Twitter account that posts updates on Flemming’s status.
Fundraising events for Flemming happen almost every week. Such events include bake sales, raffles, walks, and donations from local West Chester restaurants. All proceeds go directly to helping with Flemming’s medical expenses.
WCU’s National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) hosted a dodgeball fundraising tournament in the Hollinger Field House on Saturday, Nov. 14. An array of organizations and students came out to show their support for Flemming.
Kevin Hunter, Flemming’s friend and a fellow brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, participated in the dodgeball festivities.
“[Flemming] has amazing support from friends, family, and West Chester students and staff,” said Hunter. “Events like these are not only raising awareness of [Flemming’s] story, but it’s also getting a lot of students involved.”
#Fight4Fred accepts donations primarily through a GoFundMe account, which has raised almost $10,000 so far.
Annie Margle is a third-year student majoring in communications studies with a minor in Spanish. She can be reached at AM802063@wcupa.edu.