Friday, September 21, 2018
Vol. 78, No. 38
$1
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Restaurant raises funds for childhood cancer research BY GARY SIMEONE
Friday, September 14th was the second annual fundraiser at the Chick-fil-A restaurant in Hicksville to benefit childhood cancer research. 26 of the restaurant’s affiliates throughout the tri-state area took part in the fundraising efforts in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 100% of all the lemonade sales in each restaurant went to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national childhood cancer foundation. At the Hicksville location, 20-year-old cancer survivor Alex Thomas and his family spoke with guests about his personal ordeal battling kidney cancer and stage 3 liver cancer. “I was diagnosed with liver cancer when I was three months old, and I’ve battled kidney cancer four times by the time I was eight,” said Thomas, who is junior at Hofstra University. “I’ve definitely had some ups and downs throughout my life, but my attitude is to try and stay positive after all I’ve been through.” He said that he hoped his message would spread awareness about childhood cancer and the benefits of organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand. “I’ve spoken at a lot of fundraisers throughout the country, and they mean a lot to me, for both the child’s and the parents’ sake.” He said that his parents have been very supportive of him throughout his ordeal, and instrumental in finding the proper care and specialists in the cancer field. “When I was a baby, my mom spent all of her time researching the best doctors and hospitals in cancer treatment. We ended up doing my first operation at
Chick-fil-A chief operater Erin Elko (left) and cancer survivor Alex Thomas (far right) with his parent Memorial Sloan Kettering, where the doctor performed the surgery for free.” He added that having an organization like Alex’s Lemonade Stand in his corner was an bonus for people like him who have been through chemotherapy. Erin Elko, restaurant operator at the Hicksville Chick-fil-A, said that it was the chain’s second year partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation.
“We are partnering with such a worthwhile cause, and our team members are in full support of the foundation,” said Elko. “We have received really positive feedback from the community and through social media regarding this event.” She added that it was a bonus to have Alex and his family at the restaurant to be able to create such a special day for him.
Town to collect items for hurricane relief
The Town of Oyster Bay, along with the Village of Massapequa Park, will be collecting food and supplies to support the urgent relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas. “Hurricane Florence is forcing thousands of people to seek food and temporary shelter, as the storm continues to deliver unprecedented amounts of rain and high winds,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Just
as residents throughout the nation supported us during Superstorm Sandy, we will come to their aide in this time of need. Donate today!” Residents may drop off relief items beginning Tuesday, September 18th, at the following locations, during normal business hours, where residents will find collection boxes: • Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay
• Oyster Bay Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa • Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center, 167 S. Broadway, Hicksville • Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage • Massapequa Park Village Hall, 151 Front St., Massapequa Park Town Councilman Thomas Hand stated, “Town of Oyster Bay residents know first-hand the devastating impact
Mother Nature can deliver and this storm presents another chance for us to help give back to the many people and agencies who came to our aid following Superstorm Sandy.” Of particular need are nonperishable, ready-to-eat food items, cleaning supplies and toiletries such as personal hygiene items like deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. No clothing items will be accepted.
Hicksville schools welcome back students PAGE 3 Levittown schools Hall of Fame inductees PAGE 8