On Friday, September 15th, local police officers, fire department, and EMS met up at the Jackson River Sports Complex to line up for a parade to honor a very special boy named Evan Groves who had been suffering from a rare skin condition. Sadly, this parade would be his last, as Evan gained his wings just three days later. Shortly after midnight on Monday, September 18th, 15-year-old, Evan Groves, gained his wings with his mother, Christina Rena, standing faithfully by his side.
The Virginian Review would like to personally reach out and thank all those involved with the parade and extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. For those who knew Evan best, they say he loved his trains and monster trucks and kept a smile on his face, despite his circumstances. “To know him was to love him” has been the constant mantra among his friends, family, and teachers.
A short time ago, The Virginian Review placed an order for bracelets to be handed out at sporting events for Alleghany Cougars fans. On the inside, they are engraved with the words, “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.” We know Evan’s battle was hard-fought and his angel wings are well-deserved. As such, we feel that these bracelets, originally meant as a small, fun gesture at sporting events, should be used to serve a much higher purpose.
We have decided to sell these bracelets for “pay what you want,” and donate 100% of the proceeds to the family of Evan Groves to help them with whatever they may need during this difficult time. We will later publish the names of all who contributed and bought bracelets to show his family how much this incredible community loves and supports them.
To purchase a bracelet, please contact Mrs. Laura Snead, a teacher at Jeter-Watson where Evan was a student, or look for Jennifer Bailey and her son, Jordan Bailey— both of whom work for the Virginian Review— at sporting events and let them know you wish to support Evan’s family with a donation for a bracelet. Laura Snead can be reached at 540-969-8372. Additionally, you can call the Virginian Review at 540-962-2121 or Jennifer on her cell at 540-960-3388 or visit the office in person at 201 W. Locust Street.
We thank the community in advance for your support and generosity. #EvanStrong
