David Garcia Day July 29

David Garcia Day July 29th                 

By Monica Wepking, Editor 

David Garcia is being remembered as more than a young man who died of cancer. He was a young man that inspired so many that in 2006 the governing body of the City of Lake Andes proclaimed July 29th as David Garcia Day. That day, in 2006, was held in conjunction with community- wide fund raisers to help him fight his battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Three years later David Garcia Day is still being held in Lake Andes.

On July 29, 2009 there will be a 3 on 3 girls and boys basketball tournament for ages 7-18, a dunk contest, 4 on 4 coed flag football game, sumo wrestling, dunk tank, kiddy parade with a favorite superhero theme, obstacle course, guitar hero, free throw contest, and much more. "We want this day to be for the children of our community and to be a day that continues to bring our community together like it has in the past," said Rafael Garcia, David's brother.

Rafael, who is one of many in his family that is taking charge of the events on David Garcia Day, is no stranger to Leukemia. In 1979, at the age of 9 months, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He was considered cured in 1989--beating the disease that was found in his brother in 1998 at the age of seven. After rounds of chemotherapy, his sister Sissy Marie at the age of 20 in 2006, was found to be a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant for David. Even though the transplant was successful a bacterial infection became sepsis and took his life. David Garcia, was an ordinary young man that was extraordinary with the way he made people feel about themselves.

A talented athlete that made football and basketball his pride and joy. For more information on the David Garcia Day events contact: 

Rafael Garcia at 605-481-8996 or Tony Garcia at 605-491-3446.