Dear Editor:
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Little Eric’s Foundation(LEF), expresses deep appreciation to everyone who participated in the events of September and supports its mission.
Childhood cancer includes 12+ major cancers and over 100 different subtypes; it is not one disease. Gold is the color that signifies Childhood cancer. Gold bows were displayed in various locations in Luzerne County to remind all of the significance of September.
“Play for a Cure,” LEF’s major fundraiser was held at the Holiday East Mountain Inn on Sept. 15. Monies raised are given to a specific pediatric cancer researcher in the quest to find a cure. Also, this money financially assists local children and their families battling this horrific disease. ]
A Lantern Launch was held at the West Pittston Little League Field to remember our angels who have passed and honor and support those children still fighting childhood cancers. Sept. 28 was “GO GOLD” day, and all school districts were invited to ask their students to wear gold or yellow to raise awareness to the childhood cancer, “kids helping kids.”
Thank you to the Wyoming Area School District, its superintendent, faculty and students, the Dallas School District administration office, St. Nick’s and a special thanks to a third grader at Wyoming Area Catholic for participating. A special little girl wrote to the principal and requested a dress down day to raise awareness by wearing yellow or gold and also raised money for our cause. Thank you to the Wyoming Area Catholic principal, students and faculty.
Thank you also to Julie Sidoni and Channel 16. Julie recognizes the impact of childhood cancer and every year defines our mission. Many thanks to our family and friends, LEF’s board members, the people of West Pittston and surrounding areas and everyone who helps us meet our goals.
Hopefully, next year and the years to come will bring more publicity and involvement by the media, communities and school districts. Our Eric lost his battle but, through his courage, he inspired his family to establish Little Eric’s Foundation so that no other family has to suffer the loss we will forever endure.
Visit us on Facebook and at www.littleericsfoundation.org to learn more about our mission.
Rosalie Cullagh
Secretary LEF
