Russ Byars Memorial
Donation protected
In 2007, Franklin, Pennsylvania resident Russ Byars set a new world record for stone skipping. In the years immediately following his amazing feat, Russ was featured on multiple international news outlets, radio shows, and TV shows, introducing the world to his dry wit and unique character, and subsequently putting little Franklin on the map.
Since then, Franklin's annual stone skipping tournament has grabbed the attention of ESPN, CBS Sunday Morning, National Public Radio, and countless other media.
In 2016, Russ was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. A year ago, he went to the doctor because he was having trouble swallowing. While attempting surgery that would have been routine, the doctors found a tumor. After aggressive chemotherapy, by December the cancer was gone, and surgery to remove the tumor took place in January (12 1/2 hours of surgery); during this surgery, 34 lymph nodes were also removed. (16 were originally planned for removal.) Naturally, the burden of the treatment and regular trips to Pittsburgh has taken its toll, both emotionally and financially, and Russ struggles to find the strength to work at his job every day. He has lost 110 pounds since January.
The Franklin community is eternally grateful to Russ for representing our little town; we'd like to repay him for everything he's done. Please help Russ with his continuing battle against this brutal disease by contributing whatever is in your heart to give.
See Russ on CBS Sunday Morning
Since then, Franklin's annual stone skipping tournament has grabbed the attention of ESPN, CBS Sunday Morning, National Public Radio, and countless other media.
In 2016, Russ was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. A year ago, he went to the doctor because he was having trouble swallowing. While attempting surgery that would have been routine, the doctors found a tumor. After aggressive chemotherapy, by December the cancer was gone, and surgery to remove the tumor took place in January (12 1/2 hours of surgery); during this surgery, 34 lymph nodes were also removed. (16 were originally planned for removal.) Naturally, the burden of the treatment and regular trips to Pittsburgh has taken its toll, both emotionally and financially, and Russ struggles to find the strength to work at his job every day. He has lost 110 pounds since January.
The Franklin community is eternally grateful to Russ for representing our little town; we'd like to repay him for everything he's done. Please help Russ with his continuing battle against this brutal disease by contributing whatever is in your heart to give.
See Russ on CBS Sunday Morning
Organizer
Mike Henderson
Organizer
Franklin, PA