I started this blog after reading articles recounting questionable behavior by celebrities. It annoys me that time is spent discussing negative issues when there are compassionate people living within our own neighborhood. Thanks to social networking, I have the opportunity to meet some of these heroes in disguise. I am honored to introduce you to five boys ranging in age from nine to fourteen.
Throughout the year, you will find these boys participating in organized sporting events such as football, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, air soft and fishing. You may even find them reading (oh, how I wish my boys read). On Sunday, March 9 these benevolent young men --Will, Mikey, Kevin, Danny and Jonathan—will join 178 participants in shaving their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-driven charity committed to find cures for childhood cancers and to give survivors long, healthy lives.
Ten-year-old Kevin Piraino reminded me that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference. These boys are an inspiration and I am excited for you to learn about them.
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Will Hroch, a Freshman in Farmingdale High School, joined this cause at the age of six. He and his father shaved their heads at Napper Tandy’s in Northport. For the last three years, the family has volunteered at the St. Baldrick event hosted by Jackie Reilly’s in Bethpage. Will encouraged friends from Albany Avenue Elementary School to get involved. He continued his mission of fundraising and adding members to his team during his years at Howitt Middle School and strives to encourage students in Farmingdale High School to donate toward childhood cancer treatment and research. Will belongs to the team named Kristen’s Krusade.
To donate to Will’s cause, please visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/691361/2014
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Michael (Mikey) Van Aken, a Freshman in St. Anthony’s High School, is the team captain of Kids for a Kure. Mikey and his father, Michael Van Aken, first participated in St. Baldricks during 2009. Several weeks after they shaved their heads, “as a sign of solidarity with children who have cancer”, Michael, Sr. was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma. He underwent three surgeries and a year of chemotherapy. The illness was hard on the entire Van Aken family and has enhanced their awareness that cancer exists. Participating in St. Baldrick’s allows the Van Aken family to honor six-year-old cousin, Joseph (Mikey’s cousin), who has been diagnosed with Leukemia and Tanner Eichele, their special angel from Levittown.
To Donate to Mickey’s cause, please visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/664479/2014
Danny Seaman is a fourth grade lacrosse player from Albany Avenue. This is Danny’s third year participating with the Kids for a Kure team. Danny races into the barber chair for the St. Baldrick’s event to honor his grandma in Heaven who lost her hair and eventually her battle with cancer. He said, “My mom misses her [my grandmother] and that makes me sad. I don’t want any more people to die from this horrible disease”. He hopes the money he and his teammates raise will help kids live without getting cancer.
To donate to Danny’s cause, please visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/665198/2014
Kevin Piraino, is a ten year old boy from Albany Avenue. This is the third year Kevin has fundraised and the second year he will shave his locks for charity. The avid reader from Massapequa, said, “It feels amazing to know that I did a good deed for people who need the money I raise”. He is pleased to be a part of the Kids for a Kure team.
To donate to Kevin’s cause, please visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/665198/2014
Jonathan Doty, is a sixth grader in Howitt Middle School. This well-rounded young man enjoys activities ranging from basketball and football to acting and music. Jonathan expressed an interest in this event over the last few years and is excited to participate for the first time. He joined the team ‘Dalers’ and will honor his father, Tom, who battles cancer. Jonathan says this experience makes him feel good. “I don’t want kids who lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment to feel any different than anyone else.” Jonathan, anti-bullying advocates give you a huge round of applause for that statement.
To donate to Jonathan’s cause, please visit www.stbaldricks/org/donate/Dalers/DeniseM
It is difficult to write an article through tear-filled eyes. I am honored to live in the same town with these boys. I applaud all of the people raising awareness of childhood cancer by shaving their heads this weekend. The event raised $95,000.00 in 2011, $122,000.00 in 2012 and an astonishing $131,000.00 in 2013.
I hope Farmingdale and Massapequa residents will stop by Jackie Reilly’s Restaurant and Pub (3964 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage, New York) on Sunday, March 9 to cheer on the participants. Festivities begin at noon. Stop by for a drink, food and a chance to win the beautiful raffle baskets. Participants have the opportunity to win tickets and gear for the following teams: Mets, Jets, Giants and Yankees. All of the money raised will go to the St. Baldricks Foundation.
Jonathan Doty, Danny Seaman, Kevin Piraino, Michael Van Aken and Will Hroch, I am honored to chat with you. You are Farmingdale’s Pride!
Tom Doty, Michael Van Aken, Tanner Eichele, Michael's cousin Joseph and Danny’s grandma – you are our heroes. May God always bless you and your families!
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Would you like to share a story about a positive role model living within our community? Contact Katie McKnight through her website www.katie-mcknight-author.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/katiemcknightauthorpage
