A basketball competition between Ripon’s first responders – firefighters and police officers – helped raise $2,500 toward the medical bills for 12-year-old brain cancer victim Mason Ferrulli.

The game took place Saturday evening at the Ripon Christian High School gym.

Mason had first contracted cancer in 2017 with a resulting surgery that appeared to have totally removed the tumor but it reemerged this year according to his dad.

The Ripon Police team beat the firefighters on the hardwoods in a score of 43-31. 

Ferrulli is one of two Weston Elementary students to contract cancer in recent years.

Mason and his three friends — who have been with him through his medical ordeal and recovery  — sat quietly on the hardwood next to the court during the game.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe.com account that raised a considerable amount of money. Those wishing to help can find Mason’s GoFundMe account through Facebook or directly through the GoFundMe site.

Mason is currently being home schooled in a move that followed his surgery at Children’s Hospital in the Bay Area.  Manteca Ford Dealer Phil Waterford hearing his story, hosted the boys at a basketball camp in Oakland where they got to meet players including Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and were included in a homecoming parade.  

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.