Raleigh teen who survived cancer creates haunted house to give back

With Halloween around the corner, there’s plenty of haunted houses to choose from. But the family behind one particular haunted house is trying to shine a spotlight on a cause dear to their hearts.

Edward Thompson, 14, is the "mad man" behind this particular Raleigh haunted house. He’s obsessed with the spooky season.

"For Christmas, I ask for Halloween decorations," Edward said.

Edward's mother gave in when they received a scare of their own. Edward was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when he was 12.

"During days of chemo, I would just sit there and draw ideas for a haunted house," Edward said.

His drawings became a reality in 2016. His mother saw it as a way to lift his spirits.

"He gets very excited for Halloween to come around now," she said. "It's so nice when your child is so sick and there's not much you can do."

"I think they can realize how much hope and help they can give people just by coming in, having fun," Edward said.

The haunted house is located at 9401 S. Mere Ct. in Raleigh. It is open Oct. 26-27 and Oct. 30-31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The attraction is free to attend, but donations for "Give Kids the World," a resort where Make a Wish kids stay, will be accepted.