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ETX community: 'You're not in the fight alone'

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WHITEHOUSE, TX (KLTV) -
An East Texas community has raised thousands of dollars for a family in need.

David Baskin was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, in May 2010.

The Whitehouse community wanted to help David and his family with their medical expenses, so they worked for weeks to raise the money.

A committee formed to lead the fundraising, they also worked to create one big fundraising event, which they named "David's Day."

On Saturday, at David's Day, the committee presented a check to the Baskins along with a powerful message. 

"You're not in the fight alone and you have a great number of people here to support you; we're behind you all the way for anything," said Anna Hudnell who helped put the David's Day event together.  

"I have to say it was easy; people wanted to help," Hudnell explained. 

Keri Baskin, David's wife, spoke to supporters who help make David's Day possible. 

"Although there is no cure for this terminal disease yet, there is hope that one day there will be," she said with tears in her eyes. 

Word spread quickly about the event. Dale Pletcher, who was also diagnosed with ALS, had never met David, but came all the way from Palestine to show his support.

"When we pulled up and saw the parking lot was almost full, my jaw just dropped and I was so glad he community is rallying around him and supporting him," Pletcher said. 

"Just amazing, just humbling that this many people would show up to show support," said Keri Baskin.

"It's amazing," David said with a smile.

"Just one of the many reasons why we love Whitehouse and they're just amazing," said Keri Baskin. 

The community raised more than $25,000, not including the $6,000 raised at Saturday's event. Committee members said the money will go towards David's medical expenses.

John D. Hodgen Junior, Mayor of the City of Whitehouse, gave the Baskin family another surprise.

"I...hereby proclaim Saturday, December 1, 2012 as 'David's Day...Where Hope is Alive' in the City of Whitehouse and invite all organizations, ministries and citizens to participate in this worthy event," he announced as he handed a certificate over to the family. 

The Baskin family said it is difficult to put their gratitude into words.

"Just know that it will forever be embedded in our hearts; it's just changed our lives," Keri said. 

New friends and old, this loving family has a team of supporters behind them.

Copyright 2012 KLTV. All rights reserved.

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