By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE —On Sunday, one of the area’s largest fundraisers in recent memory was held for lifelong Canajoharie resident Tyson Fowler, who, inflicted with undiagnosed Lyme disease that developed into a debilitating neurological disorder, is currently receiving expensive treatments.

Tyson’s father, Joe Fowler, said that Tyson’s initial treatments, which he is currently undergoing in India, where he is accompanied by his wife, Anne, will last eight weeks. The cost for those treatments alone is $43,000. There are additional out-of-pocket expenses, including MRIs and $15,000 in airfare, along with living expenses while in India, from which Tyson will return in early April.

While living in India, Tyson and Anne’s two-year-old son, Calvin, remained at home with his “live in sisters” according to Fowler, so that he didn’t have to be removed from his natural setting.

In terms of Tyson’s progress, Fowler said, “things are going very well, better than expected.” The last two weeks of treatment have resulted in significant improvements. Fowler noted of Tyson, “he took his first steps Saturday.”

On Sunday, at least 1,000 people attended Tyson’s benefit at the Canajoharie High School, where over $50,000 was raised. There were numerous hundred items auctioned off, various items raising in excess of $1,000 a piece. A live auction, where Fowler, his son Dontay, Beth Snyder and various others showed items to a packed gymnasium, generated $14,700 alone.

500 chicken dinners, which sold out, were also prepared by Frankie’s Barbecue.

The benefit, said Fowler, surpassed all expectations. “It just blew us away,” he explained, noting that words can hardly encompass the level of gratitude felt by Tyson’s family, friends and loved ones. “You just don’t know what to say when you see community support like that. When I stood up to speak in front of the crowd of people there to support my son, I was so deeply touched — I couldn’t speak.”

“The local support of the community was outstanding.”

Fowler said that Tyson has been “very moved” by the support. At Sunday’s benefit, there was a table set up with a computer, where people were able to send messages of love and support to Tyson. “We’re in contact with him daily, and he’s very thankful, appreciative, excited,” said Fowler, explaining that although this has been a very painful and trying time for Tyson, “he’s always been upbeat through this whole ordeal.”

Fowler noted that the family is confident and hopeful that Tyson, who will need to return to India possibly more than once in the future for continued treatments, will make a full recovery.