The brother of a local hockey player has been given some help in his battle against leukemia.
The parents of 7-year-old Silas Keeling accepted a $2,055 check from the Manitowoc United Hockey Club after they raised money to help Keeling, who was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia and is being treated in Milwaukee.
Silas’s mother, Emily De Kok, told Seehafernews.com that her family is very blessed because of the community coming out to support Silas.
“We consider them family,” she described. “Our oldest son Miles has been playing with Manitowoc United and the Breaker before that. So, it’s really humbling.”
De Kok continues saying it was and still is devastating knowing that Silas has leukemia and the treatments he goes through. He’ll be back in Milwaukee next week for another round of chemotherapy. But despite that, Silas is doing great.
Emily expressed, “He’s been so brave and so tough throughout this entire process; I’m so proud of him.” She continued saying, “His spirits are still high. He doesn’t let it slow him down.”
She also says he’s ready to take to the ice and start playing hockey when possible.
The more than $2,000 raised will be going toward medical expenses, according to Emily.
Manitowoc United unfortunately fell again on the special night, but this time to Neenah 3-2.
The Rocket scored in the first period, but then Silas’s older brother, Miles De Kok, scored a goal unassisted in the 2nd period to tie the game at 1-1.
United would take a 2-1 lead in the 3rd period for a bit after a goal by Defensemen Benson Dickrell with assistance from Peter Ciglar.
But not long after, Neenah scored two goals within five minutes and held on to win.
United falls to 0-2 to start the season.
