The first time people gathered for Wes Stock in 2011, the money supported a family who struggled to fight a dangerous battle.

Now the music festival, which is called Wes Stock 2.0 and takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday at the R.C. Men's Club in Herman, has transformed from a bandage to a weapon, aimed at an enemy that kills thousands of children each year.

The music festival is named after Wesley Zablocki, who lost his battle with cancer in 2015; however, despite the emotional toll, his family hasn't stopped fighting.

“We'll keep doing (Wes Stock) as long as we can,” Nikki Zablocki said.

Although better treatments have increased survival rates, cancer is still the leading cause of death from disease in children, according to the National Cancer Institute.

“In the United States in 2017, an estimated 10,270 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children from birth to 14 years, and about 1,190 children are expected to die from the disease,” its website said.

All proceeds from Wes Stock 2.0 go toward the Ultimate Hike hosted by CureSearch for Children's Cancer, a Maryland-based nonprofit that dedicates its fundraising efforts to pediatric cancer research.

The Zablockis thoroughly researched the organization when Wesley became curious about helping other children with cancer. Also, the hike that is attached to the fundraising also enticed Wesley, who was a Boy Scout. Others now hike in his place.

Proceeds from Wes Stock 2.0 benefit the preceding hike.

Wes Stock 2.0 typically draws more than 400 people, according to Nikki Zablocki, but the event was pushed back to July this year, which might be a problem.

“It's kind of more in vacation season,” she said.

For the last two years, the event was in June, but a conflict with the date of the Ultimate Hike pushed the festival to July. Despite this, the Zablockis continue to press forward in Wesley's name.

“We still have bands, food and raffles all day,” Nikki said.

Wes Stock 2.0 is one of many fundraisers the Zablocki family, Nikki Zablocki, her husband, Ted, and their daughter, Zoe, use to raise money. They also do charity athletic games, motorcycle rides and more, but, Kyra Walters, Nikki's sister, said Wes Stock has a special place in their hearts.

“My family has been involved with music since my dad was in high school,” Walters said.

Velveeta is the headliner. Brian Kriley, Nikki and Kyra's brother, plays in the band.

“They're kind of the anchor for the whole thing,” Zablocki said.

Nikki and Kyra both cited Brian with the original plans for the first Wes Stock. Nikki said Wesley liked his uncle's idea and wanted it to continue.

Walters, an oncology nurse, said she used her expertise to help after Wesley's diagnosis. Wes Stock was her brother's unique way of helping.

“My brother is a musician by trade,” Walters said. “That's how he knew how to help.”

Also on stage will be other music staples of the Butler area, including Greg Geibel, Tuned-up, the Rumblers and the Jentz, all of whom have some connection to the Zablocki family.

Picnic food like hot dogs and hamburgers will be served as the meal that is included in the $10 admission. The raffles and the newly added T-shirts are extra.

Walters said one thing she would like to see is more people this year. She said the family appreciates the support from people who attend every year, but growth is important, too.

“This is not about awareness,” Walters said.

She said their army needs reinforcements because this event is not about mourning a boy who lost his life; it's about taking up arms and fighting the fight after he no longer can.

“I hate using the word awareness because everyone already knows that cancer exists,” she said. “We want to see action.”

Walters said this fight has become their family's fight, and she hopes it will become the community's fight.

“This is for the folks that are just facing it now for the first time,” Walters said. “We want to be a lifeline to them.”

Although the spirit of this family is strong, stamina is involved in every battle. When the dust settles, Nikki, Ted and Zoe Zablocki will be there.

“The day after is always really hard,” she said. “We think about (his death) every day, but then, for the whole day it's brought up to the front.”

Nikki Zablocki said all of the sadness would be worth it if a cure were found.

“But seeing all the people that want to help, that helps,” Zablocki said.