Last month, I attended an event that isn't seen too often: a Kids' Marathon! Through this event, the Dyker Heights Athletic Association (DHAA) joined forces with The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation to find a cure for childhood cancer.
All proceeds raised during the marathon benefited The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation, which directly funds research for new and innovative ways to treat pediatric brain tumors. This foundation was developed by Mr. and Mrs. Boccuzzi, the parent's of a little girl, Olivia, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 2. Olivia passed away last year, and the Boccuzzi family now runs this organization in her name. Their website reads, "As our family has learned, Childhood Cancer does not discriminate. It is the number one disease killer of children in the world."
All proceeds raised during the marathon benefited The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation, which directly funds research for new and innovative ways to treat pediatric brain tumors. This foundation was developed by Mr. and Mrs. Boccuzzi, the parent's of a little girl, Olivia, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 2. Olivia passed away last year, and the Boccuzzi family now runs this organization in her name. Their website reads, "As our family has learned, Childhood Cancer does not discriminate. It is the number one disease killer of children in the world."
On a hot day in June, I joined the young boys and girls who would be running through the streets of Dyker Heights. Spirits were high as entered St. Bernadette's schoolyard. When I first arrived, I remember thinking, "There are a lot of kids here." Little did I know that was only the start of it. More and more participants poured into the schoolyard as the morning progressed and soon there were hundreds of them! And it wasn't only children that were going to be running - some of the parents even got in on the fun (especially for the really little ones)!
The opening ceremonies began, and the founders of The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation, Olivia's parents, gave a beautiful and moving welcome speech. They spoke about the heartbreak of discovering their child had a brain tumor and the additional shock when they learned of the lack of funding for childhood cancer research. In Olivia's memory, they hope to raise funds and awareness, so that this scenario will one day never occur for another family.
Along with many volunteers, I helped kick off the run. Dressed in color-coded t-shirts (by age group) the runners lined up and waited for the signal - "On your mark, get set, go!"
I had to leave before the marathon was done (due to another appearance that same day), but I know that this event was extremely successful for The Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation. I received a letter in the mail the other day that announced their grand total of $50,000! It is because of organizations like this that we will one day have a cure for childhood cancer. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Boccuzzi for all that you do. You are such a strong and beautiful family and I wish you nothing but comfort and peace during this time. Thank you for having me.