11-year-old BAT-Ls Breast Cancer
Inspired to take action to help his aunt fight breast cancer, Andrew Fantaskey, with the support of his friend Joseph Piacine, put together a fundraiser that has, so far, raised $1,500 for the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate.
To Our Friends at the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate:
My sister, Karen is battling Stage IV breast cancer. My four children are very close with her, as she doesn't have children of her own. My oldest son in particular, is having a very difficult time knowing that his aunt is battling this disease. Having said that, here is a little story to that might warm your hearts and inspire others.
A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch with my oldest son, Andrew, age 11, as he was reading a book, "Travel Team" by Mike Lupica. Andrew looked up from his book, and said, "Mom, I want to make a difference."
Caught off guard and not knowing what he was talking about, I said to him, "What do you mean?"
He told me he would like to do something to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. He started to brainstorm ideas, like a baseball clinic or basketball clinic. I told him I would be happy to support him in whatever he would like to do. Andrew talked about this idea with his friend, Joseph Piacine, and by the next day, when I arrived home from work, Andrew and Joseph had made signs and flyers and posted them on the trees throughout our neighborhood.
The two boys came up with the idea to host a baseball clinic for tee ball and coach-pitch players (ages 5-7). As parents, we were truly touched by these two 11-year-old boys and their desire and dedication to help others. At this point, the boys' dads, Rod and Bob, became involved to help embrace Andrew's and Joseph's desire to make a difference. Within a few days, a gym was secured, and the boys made detailed plans. As a result, on Sunday, March 28th from 1-4 PM, "Team Up to BAT-L Breast Cancer," a spring training clinic was held at the Quakertown Christian School, for boys and girls, ages 5-7. The children rotated through 5 stations, led by Pennridge Little League Majors players, along with adult supervision.
All proceeds from the event ($1,500 and counting!) will benefit the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure on Mother's Day.
The boys will be taking part in the Race, as members of "Team Teeney" in honor of Andrew's aunt, and my sister, Karen Dwyer-Jones. These boys have done an amazing job at organizing this event to raise money for the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure. We are so proud of them!! I am sure you hear many stories about fundraising, and this is just another way that we are "Teaming Up to BAT-L Breast Cancer."
Sincerely,
Kate Fantaskey