November 26th will forever be known as Cash Shank Day in the city of Visalia. It honors a 5-year old boy who is battling a rare form of brain cancer. Cash could not make it to Tuesday evening's meeting because he was not feeling well. However, he was well represented by the community and his relatives.
"We thank him for inspiring all of us to persevere no matter what obstacle we may confront," said Amy Shuklian, Visalia city councilwoman.
Charleen Bradford accepted a plaque on her grandson's behalf.
"We're so touched and honored they're doing this for him," said Charleen Bradford, Cash's grandmother.
Earlier this year Cash received brain cancer treatments at Saint Jude's Hospital in Memphis. Shortly thereafter, doctors issued him a clean bill of health. But recent tests revealed the cancer is back. So city leaders felt a need to recognize this incredibly strong little boy.
"Visalia is a very compassionate city and a very caring city and it's amazing how when it comes to kids how much outreach and caring there is and love for the children," said Steve Nelsen, Mayor of Visalia.
Cash has always dreamed of becoming a firefighter. Some of the buddies he's made at the Visalia Fire Department showed up to the meeting. They presented family members with a helmet, a souvenir which shows they are backing him all the way.
"Firefighters is all about strength and valor and that's a symbol for us and it's also for him," said Battalion Chief Darrin Hughes of the Visalia Fire Dept.
Through his battle cash has shown remarkable power by uniting people.
"I have never ever seen a community come together like this. People all over the world who have never met us are bombarding us. I know that he'll be remembered forever," said Rhonda Edwards, Cash's grandmother.
Cash Shank recently shot a television commercial for Saint Jude's Hospital with actress Jennifer Anniston and talk show host Jimmy Fallon. It is scheduled to air during the Thanksgiving holiday.