Local Amityville firefighter Matthew Gross joined the department to help his community. Now the 17-year-old volunteer is looking to the community for some help.

Diagnosed with throat cancer, he’s battling the disease and on Sat., June 26, his friends held a fundraiser at Amity Car Wash and Detail Center, 25 Merrick Road in Amityville. All proceeds from the event went to the volunteer, a Massapequa High School graduate. For every car that came in, Amity Car Wash donated $3 to Matthew's Fund. The event raised more than $600.

"I was honored and surprised at how much money was raised," said Gross. "I'm so glad that I've got such great friends."

"When I first found out the date for it, I had to mark it on my calendar," said Karen Sanzone, a good friend of Matthew’s and a customer of Amity Car Wash. "I even set an alarm on my phone and wrote myself a note so that I wouldn't forget to get a car wash."

"Matthew is like family to me and no family member is forgotten when they are in need of help," said Kevin Reynolds, who is Matthew's best friend who helped run the fundraiser.

Bracelets that read: "We're In This Together Matthew, Hope- Strength-Love" are still being sold for $2 at Amity Car Wash.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the Matthew Gross fund can send checks in c/o the Amityville Fire Department, 55 West Oak St., Amityville NY 11701.

Shown in photo, left to right, are: Kevin Reynolds, the writer, Monica DeLuca and Matthew Gross.