Students “Dribble for the Cure” at St. John’s University
On Saturday, September 24, Freeport UFSD students from J.W. Dodd Middle School's Service Learning Program visited St. John's University to be part of the inaugural "Dribble for the Cure" program as part of the annual St. John's "Day of Service." The students, under the guidance of advisor Dan Noviello, helped raise awareness and funding for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF). They worked alongside participants from other communities and members of the St. John's basketball program as they dribbled basketballs through a course winding throughout the St. John's campus. Each participant was asked to collect pledges for his or her "dribble." The event raised over $21,000 for pediatric cancer research.
The day's activities also provided the students with an opportunity to learn about pediatric cancer research and to spend time speaking with families affected by the illness. "These conversations helped the students gain a better understanding of the challenges that many families affected by cancer face on a daily basis," commented Mr. Noviello. "The students felt a sense of accomplishment in that they were able to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer." The PCRF Research Laboratory is located at The Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. The hospital is affiliated with New York Medical College.
PCRF was established in 1982 to improve the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with malignant diseases. All funds raised support research in the fight against pediatric cancer and other lethal blood disorders.
