Photo Caption: The Smithtown High School West junior varsity girls basketball team recently worked together on a Valentine’s Day project. The team crafted special Valentine’s cards for children at Stony Brook University Hospital’s pediatric cancer treatment unit. More than 70 handmade cards were delivered just in time for the holiday.

Photos courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

MADISON, Wis. — When Megan Pharo arrived at the women’s hockey game on Friday, Jan. 27 against Minnesota State, she had no idea what was in store for her. As someone who has looked up to the members of the Wisconsin women’s hockey team for many years, throughout many struggles with her health, the experience that followed at the LaBahn Arena that day was extra special for Megan.

The women’s hockey team surprised Megan by giving her the opportunity to watch pre-game warmups from the bench, ride on the Zamboni, and meet the team following the game. Being able to meet the team full of women she considers her role models came at a time when Megan herself needed encouragement and support.

Megan Pharo, a 14-year-old loyal Badgers women’s hockey supporter, is suffering from a brain tumor and vision loss because of it. While her battle keeps her from playing her favorite sport, she doesn’t let that get in the way of cheering on the team.

“It was an amazing experience. Megan has been through a lot with losing eyesight in one eye and having to restart chemotherapy treatment on a brain tumor,” said Cody Pharo, Megan’s brother who helped plan the surprise. “It was really great that she got to see and meet the team that she looks up to so much.”

The experience was equally as inspiring for the women’s hockey team as it was for Megan.

“She is the real hero and the definition of strength,” said Ann-Renée Desbiens, senior goaltender for the women’s hockey team. “She is a fighter and we enjoyed having her as much as she enjoyed being there.”

Megan’s experience was part of the Badgers Give Back Wish Upon a Badger program. Through this program, deserving recipients are invited to fulfill their dreams alongside Badger student-athletes by getting a behind-the-scenes look at a Wisconsin Athletics team. To learn more about Wish Upon a Badger and see videos of past experiences, visit the Wish Upon a Badger webpage.

Source: http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/2/7/badgers-give-back-badgers-finds-new-inspiration-through-the-strength-of-a-young-supporter.aspx?path=giveback

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Coastal Carolina University’s student-athletes are teaming up with United Way Horry County’s Caring Kindergarteners program Wednesday, according to a press release from United Way of Horry County.

The athletes and Chauncey the mascot will greet the children at 8:00 a.m. at Carolina Forest Elementary School, the press release states.

Approximately 70 athletes will make their way to other schools in the county and read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The athletes serve as mentors for the young children, according to the press release.

“Through this program, the kindergartners and the college athletes have a memorable experience of learning from each other and “giving back” together. The impact of their morning will reach even further when the notes they write spread joy and hope to our elderly neighbors this spring,” said United Way of Horry County President Genie Sherard.

Source:http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/34453162/ccu-athletes-give-back-to-community-by-reading-to-kindergarteners

Woods Road Elementary School in the North Babylon School District raised nearly $8,000 as part of its participation in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program. Students learned the importance of active lifestyles and raising funds to support cardiovascular health.

Photo Caption: Woods Road Elementary School students participated in the Jump Rope for Heart program, and helped to raise nearly $8,000.

Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District

Lee Avenue Elementary School in the Hicksville Public School District raised more than $11,000 as part of its participation in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program. Students learned the importance of active lifestyles and raising funds to support cardiovascular health during the effort.

Photo Caption: Lee Avenue Elementary School participated in the Jump Rope for Heart program, and helped to raise more than $11,000.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public School District