Kutztown Brandywine Youth Football & Cheerleading Association President Darcy Calkins recently presented a donation check to Cindy Ernst of The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.
The Lehigh Valley 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation helps children and families affected by pediatric cancer by providing free and unique programming and support during treatment, survivorship, and bereavement, according to the foundation’s website pcflv.org.
Paul Miller of the Kutztown Brandywine Youth Football & Cheerleading Association explained that every other year the Kutztown Brandywine Cougar’s Youth Football Team has a Benefit Game at Kutztown University. All the profits go to a designated charity, for that year.
There were no players honored at the Nov. 2 benefit game, “the purpose of the game is to give back to the community,” he said.
This year, they chose to donate to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.
“This charity was chosen because there were three children from separate families in the Brandywine School District suffering with cancer,” he said.
Funds were raised by admissions, snack stand profits, and raffles, profits from tee shirts, and other donations from businesses and families, he said.
Miller hopes the football players and cheerleaders learned about “Helping others, giving back to the community, and awareness of childhood cancer.”
“Their donation to PCFLV was $4,500. That is an incredible donation for a youth league to make to another non-profit organization,” wrote Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley President Cindy Ernst to The Patriot. “To me it was even more meaningful, because it was children and families helping other children and families.”
“So often we only hear the bad news and bad things kids do, it is so refreshing to see, hear and read about the good in people,” she wrote.
According to the foundation’s website pcflv.org, PCFLV programming, events, and support include Caring and Sharing Support Groups; Date Nights, Family Fun Nights, and Moms’ and Dads’ Nights Out; Camp Smile; Financial Support; and Chemo Circus and Golden Days.
“Chemo Circus takes us to the outpatient pediatric oncology clinic several times per month, while Golden Days takes us to the inpatient pediatric floor one time each month. During both, we provide children and their families with the opportunity to do a craft, pick a special gift, eat a warm meal and treats, and be entertained by our friend, Tootsee the Clown, as well as other special guests like Iron Pigs players and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. These programs are designed to reduce anxiety and stress while the child undergoes chemotherapy treatment, blood draws, pokes, and tests. The ultimate goal: fun, laughter, and smiles,” according topcflv.org.
Another program is Art Soup, a once-a-month program that “allows both children diagnosed with pediatric cancer and their siblings to experience informal art therapy while being introduced to new and interesting art forms by local, accomplished artists.”
A big event is the Big Top Circus
“Summer wouldn’t be complete without PCFLV’s Big Top Circus! This carnival-themed event brings families together for fun and friendship within our community of support. Big Top Circus is filled with carnival games, prizes, food, and entertainment,” according to the website.
For more information or to help, visit pcflv.org and click on the “Get Involved” tab.