NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (Oct. 26, 2015) – On Saturday, the LIU Post women’s lacrosse team returned to Ronald McDonald House to visit Kaylie, a five-year-old fighting brain disease.

From the time she turned two years old, Kaylie was diagnosed with Chiara Malformation Type 1, Syringomyelia, Tethered Spinal Cord, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dysautonomia, Peripheral Neuropathy and Craniocervical Instability.

In the 11 months that followed, Kaylie underwent three different brain and back surgeries, only to find out that she now needs cervical fusion to keep her skull and spine stable.

Led by current Pioneer student-athlete Kelly Backus (Oceanside, N.Y.), who has maintained a close relationship with Kaylie for two years, the team went to visit her. The student-athletes joined Kaylie in baking cookies and brownies, decorating, playing dress-up and taking a tour of the facility.

“Kaylie helps us realize how grateful we really are. She shows us, even with her own struggles, that we can accomplish so much,” Backus said. “She inspires us to work hard for those who are not able to.”

Backus later added: “Kaylie teaches us how to live in the moment and worrying about the future will not change anything. After learning about her experiences, our team has put our issues into perspective. Our bad days do not compare to what Kaylie is going through…Always look at the positive and think about how lucky we have it.”

To this point, Team Kaylie has raised $6,546 of its $10,000 fundraising goal for her cervical fusion.

For the full story on Team Kaylie or to make a donation, please visit the link to her official YouCaring page by clicking https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/team-kaylie/98071#.VYKvJM-tLcI.facebook

Elwood Breast Cancer Walk: On Sunday, Oct. 18, the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School National Honor Society and girls’ varsity soccer team participated in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach. The students, along with Honor Society advisor Diane Locascio and soccer coach Shannon

Colligan, collectively raised more than $1,700 for this special cause. 

Photo courtesy of the Elwood UFSD

High school volleyball players were digging deep into their souls to make a difference in the cure for breast cancer. During the fifth annual “Dig Pink” event, the JV and varsity volleyball teams raised $1,000 through the sale of T-shirts, baked goods and other small items. Dig Pink is a national breast cancer rally organized by the Side-Out Foundation, which encourages middle school and high school volleyball teams to hold events supporting the cause each October.

Varsity coach Bobbee Brancaccio and junior varsity coach Janet Ratner supported both teams as they prepared for the event. “The girls put teamwork into practice as they baked together for the fundraiser,” Ratner said. “They are very dedicated to the cause, and we are so proud of them.”

In addition to a bake sale, which included scrumptious goodies decorated in pink, the teams each played a non-league game against Glen Cove. They have been playing each other in the Dig Pink event since Locust Valley started it six years ago.

Dig Pink was the anchor event of a monthlong schedule of “pink” athletic games. Athletes in each sport wore green socks with a bright pink breast cancer ribbon for the month, and each team held one special “pink” game to honor those fighting breast cancer. Pink breast cancer ribbons were spray painted on each field, and equipment is pink when available. Some teams sell pink items at their games to donate to the cause.

Story and photo courtesy of Locust Valley School District.

The Valley Stream North High School Spartans took on the Hewlett High School Bulldogs for an energy-filled 2015 homecoming game. School spirit radiated throughout John Miele Memorial Field, where supportive spectators of all ages rooted for their home team on the afternoon of Oct. 17.

At halftime, the cheerleaders, kickline team and marching band presented an entertaining show. A two-week-long Coaches vs. Cancer initiative was announced during halftime to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. To date, the school has raised $1,400 for cancer research through athletic events with three more scheduled in the weeks to come.

Many students, teachers and coaches have helped in the fundraising effort, wearing pink during the school days and during the games and buying “Hope” cards that were displayed in the gym lobby. At halftime of the homecoming game, 187 seconds were placed on the clock representing 187 people who are diagnosed each hour. Cheerleaders and Kickline members sold as many bracelets in that time as they could.

This year’s homecoming continued North High School’s pre-game traditions of a Varsity Breakfast, sponsored by the North Spartan Club, and a parade of banners that represented the grades and student organizations. The junior class won first place in the banner contest, which featured a “decades” theme, and ninth- and eighth-grades took second and third.

A pep rally, which boosted excitement, was held the day prior and included the crowning of Vincent Russo and Nia Brockington as homecoming king and queen. A dance followed later that evening.

Photos Courtesy of Valley Stream Central High School District

The marching band, cheerleaders and kickline team performed during halftime and funds were raised for cancer awareness.

EWMMS Breast cancer: Members of the Edmund W. Miles Middle School studentcouncil, accompanied by advisor Allyson Kretz, took strides to support breast cancer awareness at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Amityville Beach on Oct. 18.

Photo courtesy of the Amityville Union Free School District