The Plainville-Rocky Hill varsity boys basketball game wasn't a typical game at Plainville High School. The game was dedicated to "Layups for Luke," a fundraising effort for sophomore Luke Santhouse. Luke was diagnosed with leukemia just after Christmas.
"We really didn't tell too many people, the next thing you know we were getting phone calls and emails, well wishes," said his mother, Pat Santhouse.
The community also came together to help the family financially. The Plainville Police Union presented the family with a $500 check, and all ticket sales and concession money from Tuesday's game went to helping the family with their medical bills. Luke just completed his second of four rounds of chemotherapy and will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant when the chemotherapy is done.
"He was in good spirits when we were going to visit him. Playing Xbox, watching movies, eating burgers, same old, just in the hospital," said Conor Phaneuf, one of Luke's teammates.
While his teammates missed him on the court, they did keep Luke in their thoughts.
"A lot of people have been buying the Lukestrong bands. I have a couple of them on my ankle, and wear them during the game," said Nick Labella, another teammate.
This game was a special one because the Plainville community came out to make "Layups for Luke" a slam dunk.
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"It's amazing. This little town, so many people have come out. Like I said, elementary teachers, coaches he's had from Little League, my God," said Tom Santhouse, Luke's father.
