This weekend's 'Baking for Bone Marrow' bake sale was a success, with community residents not only donating a variety of baked treats to be sold but purchasing cookies, cupcakes, and other goodies to support the family of Cody Nickerson, a five-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.

“It was very good, we got offered some propane, got a lot of help, and probably raised about $1,000 in donations,” said Ann-Marie Nickerson, Cody’s mother.  Just as importantly, the family “met a lot of nice people.”

Cody was diagnosed with acquired aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder where the bone marrow stops producing blood cells which carry oxygen through the body, fight disease, and help control bleeding and bruising.   Treatment requires once- or twice-a-week visits to Boston for blood transfusions, and Cody has been matched with a donor for a potential bone-marrow transfer.

Trying to divide their time between Cody’s needs and the needs of their business Crusty’s Pizza, neither of which could be regularly planned, put the Nickersons in tough financial circumstances.

But the community came through.  Roby’s gas donated five fill-ups of propane to the family’s home so that the family could cook the special meals that Cody needs.  And many people - some strangers, some friends (Ann-Marie’s best friend from high school even showed up!) came to buy goodies to support the family.  And many customers refused to accept their change.

Ann-Marie said that they will continue to offer baked goods for sale to support Cody and that a savings account in his name remains open at Sovereign Bank.

“I just want to thank everybody for coming down and supporting Cody and helping us in our time of need, and God bless everyone and their families through the holidays.”