Number of Participants: 300
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $2,535
Event Type: Advocacy & Human Rights
Sport: Schools
Date: September 27, 2019
Location:
North Bellmore
NY, USA
About:
Yellow was a popular color throughout the North Bellmore School District on Sept. 27, which marked Going Gold Day to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.
Superintendent Marie Testa said that this day has become an annual tradition in September, which is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. She explained that the district wanted to show its support for local families that have been affected by illness. Students and staff wore different combinations of gold, yellow and neon green to support the cause.
“It’s great when the community can come together and show unity for a worthwhile cause,” said Saw Mill Road Elementary School Principal Jeff Rosof.
Carsyn Volpe, a fifth grader at Saw Mill, was diagnosed with cancer when he was 2, and underwent treatment for about a year-and-a-half. He said he is very appreciative of the fact that the district raises awareness for childhood cancer every year.
“I feel sad that some people who fought it didn’t make it,” Carsyn said, “but I feel happy at the same time that people are supporting cause.”
Martin Avenue Elementary School fifth grader Robert LaSpina is still fighting his battle with leukemia and remains upbeat. The support from his friends and the entire school community gives him an optimistic outlook.
“It makes me feel like I don’t have to be scared of anything,” Robert said, “because I know people are always going to be there supporting me.”
Throughout North Bellmore, teachers and staff members wore gold shoelaces and donated $5 each through the Lace Up For Kids campaign spearheaded by Solving Kids Cancer. Money raised throughout the district was donated to the organization to support research for cancer treatment.
Photo captions:
1: Saw Mill Road Elementary School fifth grader Carsyn Volpe, center, is a childhood cancer survivor and was joined by his friends, from left, Will Schaffer, Mason Lynch, Lucas Eagleston and Austin Sorrentino on Going Gold Day.
2: Martin Avenue Elementary School fifth grader, Robert LaSpina, center, knows his battle with leukemia will be successful because of the support from friends and the community.
3: Students at Martin Avenue Elementary School wore yellow and gold to school on Sept. 27 for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Photos courtesy of the North Bellmore School District