Travis Pietz has the fight of his life ahead of him as he battles two forms of fatal cancer, but one thing was clear Sunday night: he’s not battling alone.
Throngs of people gathered at the Palms at Pelican Cove to raise money for Pietz, who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and small cell carcinoma.
Pietz is general manager of the Flat Iron Grill, one of the only restaurants on St. Croix to offer health insurance. That has helped pay for the extensive medical treatment – chemotherapy and radiation – he is receiving in St. Thomas.
“We’re hoping to raise $4,000 to 5,000, because his treatment is almost over, and he’ll need it," said Gerald Norman, who owns the Flat Iron. "Travis is a care-free, athletic, and fun-loving individual, and that’s how he treats everything."
Sheila Heuer, manager of the Palms, has been friends with Pietz for ten years. She organized the event along with Norman and was amazed at how many people showed up to give their support.
“It’s so wonderful to watch how much the community has pitched in to help Travis,” she said.
Salud Bistro also sponsored the fundraiser, and sent the bar manager, Jesse Card – also Pietz’s best friend – to hand out” Pietz’s Punch”
The event included live music from Eddie Russell, Ms. “Blakness”, and D.J. 5th Element.
