Number of Participants: 300
Hours Donated: 3
Value of Time Served: $7,605
Event Amount Raised: $2,719
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Sport: Schools
Date: October 1, 2024
Location:
Oak Park Elementary School
Wisconsin Avenue, Bay Shore
NY
About:
On Sept. 27, students and teachers from Brentwood’s Oak Park Elementary School donned vibrant gold shirts and gathered for a spirited parade around the school grounds, marking the second annual Walk to Raise Awareness for Childhood Cancer. The event featured a colorful display of handmade signs and ribbons, all accompanied by uplifting songs being played on big outdoor speakers.
In a show of unity, students from each class collaborated to create a large banner expressing their support for children battling cancer. Individual participants proudly held their personalized signs, making a collective statement of hope and solidarity. The initiative is dedicated to Ms. Miller, a beloved special education teacher at Oak Park, who has faced challenges with childhood cancer within her own family.
Ms. Miller shared her personal story, highlighting the importance of support systems like Sunrise Day Camp. “In May of 2020, my 10-year-old son Aidan was diagnosed with a germinoma cell tumor in his brain. Over the next five months, he underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Aidan’s oncologist introduced us to Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights, a free camp for kids with cancer and their siblings, run entirely on donations. Both of my boys have had the best summers there, and many of their programs helped distract Aidan during treatments.”
This year, Oak Park Elementary proudly announced that they raised a remarkable $2,719 for Sunrise Day Camp. The funds will directly support the camp’s inclusive summer programs, year-round activities, and in-hospital recreational initiatives. The Oak Park Elementary School community looks forward to continuing this tradition and making an even greater impact in the years to come.
