Reedley Community Rallies for 13-Month-Old Battling Kidney Cancer

• The Reedley Elks Lodge hosts a breakfast fundraiser Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Proceeds help 13-month-old Leonidas Hassett, who has cancer in both kidneys.
• The toddler is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
• The Eagles lodge sold Frito boats on Friday as an earlier fundraising effort.
• Community support continues to grow across Reedley and Fresno County.

The Reedley community is rallying around a toddler fighting a serious illness. A breakfast fundraiser this Sunday will raise money for 13-month-old Leonidas Hassett, who has been diagnosed with cancer in both kidneys.

Breakfast Fundraiser to Support Leonidas Hassett

The Reedley Elks Lodge is hosting a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday to help cover treatment costs for the toddler. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and contribute.

This is not the first time local groups have stepped up. On Friday, the Eagles lodge sold Frito boats as an earlier fundraising effort. The combined support shows how Reedley residents are coming together for one of their youngest neighbors.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Leonidas Hassett was diagnosed with cancer in both kidneys at just 13 months old. He has already begun chemotherapy, which is a demanding and costly process for any family.

Fundraisers like this one ease the financial burden and allow the family to focus on the toddler's care. The local community's response emphasizes the importance of solidarity during a medical crisis.

Local California Context

Reedley is a city in Fresno County, located in California's Central Valley. The region is known for its agricultural roots and tight-knit communities. When a local family faces a medical emergency, neighbors and civic organizations like the Elks and Eagles lodges frequently organize support events.

The fundraiser also highlights the broader challenge of healthcare access in rural and semi-rural parts of California. While not directly connected to this event, recent federal and state health funding debates underpin why community-based support remains vital for many families.

Background

Childhood kidney cancer, though rare, requires intensive treatment. Families often face high out-of-pocket costs for travel, childcare, and other expenses even with insurance. Community fundraisers have long been a lifeline for families navigating childhood cancer, and Reedley has a history of mobilizing for its members in need.

How to Help

The breakfast fundraiser will be held at the Reedley Elks Lodge on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to reach out to local lodge members for donation opportunities.

Conclusion

The Reedley community continues to show that no one fights alone. Sunday's breakfast is a simple but powerful way to support a child and family during a difficult time.