The Straughn High School student who lost his battle with leukemia in April was honored on Tuesday.

SouthernCare Hospice through its Grace Foundation made a donation to one of Gordie Cartwright’s favorite organizations – the Straughn High School band.

Grace Foundation is part of Curio Health Services and the organization gives back to the communities in which it operates by providing memorial gifts.

The organization was able to donate $500 in memory of Cartwright.

Southern Care’s Director of Operations Amy Ellis presented the check.

“We are sorry for your loss,” she said.

SHS band director Will Parker was on hand, as well as Cartwright’s parents, Christy and Rick Cartwright.

Parker said the donation in Cartwright’s memory is going to help a student who would not otherwise be able to perform with the band this season.

Parker, who had developed a strong relationship with Cartwright, said that he played whatever instrument he needed him to play – trombone, baritone, percussion, piano.

Cartwright was diagnosed in October 2014 with CML.

In August 2016, his family found out he needed a bone marrow transplant and his sister, Ginnee, was a match. Doctors performed the procedure in Texas at the end of 2016.

Mrs. Cartwright said Tuesday they are in the process of establishing a scholarship in Cartwright’s honor, as well.