An assistant coach and teacher's 9-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. Story by Susan Sullivan
GRAFTON -- A nine-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia is getting some help from the community.Sam Bord is the son of a Grafton Football assistant coach. Bord was given the nickname "The Waterman" during his time on the sidelines helping the team.

Fundraiser organizers say Bord spent some time in a Pittsburgh hospital and bills accumulated. To help, members of the community are selling rubber wristbands and t-shirts and are raffling off WVU Tickets and fan gear.

"Both of Sam's Parents are teachers at the high school, and it's just...we want to help them," said Deedee Mooney, whose children attended Grafton High School. "They're our family."

"They're our Bearcat family," Board of Education member Carol Harvey agreed. "We're going to do what we can to support them in any way we can."

Communities like Morgantown and Philippi are Grafton's rivals on the playing field ...but have also pledged support to Sam Bord and his family.

Sales will start at Grafton's Preview game Friday night.

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January 31, 2026 1