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Tracy School Surprises Boy, Family Battling Cancer With Help

TRACY (CBS13) — An entire school district showed support for a first-grader and his family on Friday as he battles Stage 4 cancer.

The 7-year-old thought he was attending a school assembly, but it was actually a surprise celebration for him. The cheers in the Villalovoz Elementary School auditorium were almost deafening.

What is normally their talent show contest was actually a cover to honor the real star of the show—Eduardo.

He and his family are fighting an overwhelming battle with cancer. Even though the bills are piling up, his classmates had a plan—a coin drive.

So his friends went to work, and the fundraiser quickly gres.

"So many people were just very thoughtful with big sales and garage sales just for Eduardo and his family," said classmate Izaiah Quirez.

Within weeks, they raised almost $6,000 for his family for any medical-related expenses.

"We were just so overwhelmed by the community support. It was over and beyond," said principal Lisa Beeso.

His mom, Efigeni Plascenia, doesn't speak much English, but it was easy for her to translate the love her family felt in the auditorium on Friday.

"Yes, I want to say thank you so much," she said.

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