By JIM WALKER

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

David Fields never knew his brother, but he wants to make sure his brother is never forgotten.

Fields is the junior placekicker for the Ironton Fighting Tigers. His brother, Jerimy, died at the age of 14 on April 15, 2006, from Epstein Barre Virus Lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

“This happened before I was born. However, I have seen how this loss has affected my parents,” said Fields of his parents Jeri and Shane.

This is another way to share his story, keep his memory alive and help other children and their families.”

Jerimy was a freshman in high school and played soccer for the St. Joseph Flyers. He was a Boy Scout for Troop 106 and was close to becoming the prestigious Eagle Scout.

But Jerimy died before he could achieve his goal. However, at his showing he became an Honorary Eagle Scout.

Jerimy was a big fan of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball program and enjoyed going to the games and meeting some of the players.

“Even more, he loved and adored his baby sister, Megan, and he would have loved to be my big brother, a father, and an uncle. But cancer took that away from him,” said David.

The family has told plenty of stories about Jerimy that enabled David to grow a relationship with his late brother.

“I’ve heard stories about him here and there. I’ve heard stories of him in high school and how he was one of the shortest people in his class. I’ve heard a couple of Boy Scout stories about him,” said David.

While attending the Kohl’s Champions professional kicking camp, David learned about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation which focuses on raising funds to help fight various kinds of pediatric cancer.

Alex’s Lemonade stand Foundation  charity was founded by Alexandra “Alex” Scott who was born in 1996 and died in 2004. Alex had cancer from the age of one until she died at the age of 8. But during her brief lifetime, her charity raised more than a million dollars.

This season, David Fields wants to raise money to help in the fight against this form of cancer. He wants to turn every kicking point — whether it is an extra point or a field goal — into money for childhood cancer research.

Fields said his goal is to make at least 50 combined points after touchdown (PAT) and field goals.

Fields has set a goal to raise at least $1,000 this season but is hoping for it to exceed that amount.

Fields said any amount, even as little as $1, is more than welcome in this effort to raise money and awareness for the disease.

“Hopefully, as money continues to be donated, less kids have to suffer, less people will lose their siblings, and less parents will lose their children,” said Fields.

“What my family went through, and other families, I’m doing this so other people won’t have to go through that and lose a child.”

There are many ways to donate. Go too www.kick-it-org to donate or pledge and be sure to add the Event ID 3897331

Included on this page is a Venmo bar code. Persons can scan their credit card over the bar code and make a donation.

If more convenient, give funds to Jeri Fields, Shane Fields, Megan Fields, Shane fields or David Fields. There is also a Venmo QR code for credit card or Venmo donations.

Another option is www/alexslemonde.org

David dedicated the season to his brother but he tries not to think too much about what he’s doing.

“I try to focus on my job. I try to not think about it as much so I’m not sitting there worrying about it so I don’t have to stress about it more,” he said.

“It makes me feel a lot better that all this money goes into research and not something else so kids can live their lives. I hope to go to college and continue it and get more and more donations each year.”

David said it can be heartbreaking at times when he thinks about missing out on his relationship with Jerimy, but he knows that must move forward.

“It kind of makes me upset that I didn’t get to see him. But I knew God has His plans. God just planned it out like that and there’s not much you can do about it,” said David.

But for now, David Fields is doing what he can. And what he’s doing might be the lasting memory about David Fields.