New MIRACLE Club Joins the Fight Against Cancer

It is amazing the difference a group of children can make when they set their minds to something. Recently, students of the South Woods Middle School and the newly formed MIRACLE Club in Syosset presented The MIRACLE (Making In Roads Against Cancers Lasting Effects) Foundation with a check for over $27,000. The funds were raised by the students through activities coordinated by The MIRACLE Club, the future leaders of America and the student government during a two-week period and are to be used for cancer treatment, research and education here on Long Island.

(PRWEB) August 21, 2003 -- It is amazing the difference a group of children can make when they set their minds to something. Recently, students of the South Woods Middle School and the newly formed MIRACLE Club in Syosset presented The MIRACLE (Making In Roads Against Cancers Lasting Effects) Foundation with a check for over $27,000.

The funds were raised by the students through activities coordinated by The MIRACLE Club, the future leaders of America and the student government during a two-week period and are to be used for cancer treatment, research and education here on Long Island.

The MIRACLE Club consists of fundraising students, located at the South Woods Middle School, who promote cancer awareness and community service among students and the community in which they live. The students devote their time and energy to volunteering, raising funds and participating in various school and community projects designed to make an impact for those who suffer from the effects of cancer.

Our students plan to make a difference and with the district-wide commitment of parents and faculty we will support their efforts and fight this devastating disease," explains Dr. Jean Clark, Principal of South Woods Middle School. The MIRACLE Club supports the efforts of The MIRACLE Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Long Island residents Michael and Patti Tenaglia.

The Foundations efforts focus on improving patient care, increasing cancer awareness and funding worthy scientific research. Just a few years old, The MIRACLE Foundation has had several miraculous" accomplishments including the creation of The MIRACLE Building, a new state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility on the grounds of Mercy Hospital which will be fully staffed by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The Foundation has also provided research support to some of the nation's leading cancer researchers: Dr. Bert Vogelstein of John Hopkins University Oncology Center in Baltimore, MD and Dr. Michael Wigler of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory here on Long Island.

The South Woods Middle School chapter is the second on Long Island, following in the footsteps of the Garden City High School MIRACLE Club founded last year by senior Lyn Tenaglia and Jackie Long.

It is really inspiring to witness the team effort and camaraderie that has developed amongst these dedicated teenagers; their energy, creativity and commitment is truly an example from which we can all learn," stated Joe Castronovo, President of The MIRACLE Foundation.

The newly formed MIRACLE Club is already on its way to making an impact in the community. The first of the clubs major events was a recent kick-off dinner/talent show that was attended by over 700 individuals. The school designates a Cancer Awareness Week and scheduled lectures, walk-a-thons and other events to raise money and awareness about cancer.

As a result of their effort, the children raised a substantial part of the $27,000+ and officially presented a check for the funds to The MIRACLE Foundation this past February. It is so exciting to receive the incredible reception and support from the students and the community for our mission and for the work we are planning to accomplish," explained Liz Pastore, the Syosset MIRACLE Club advisor.

For more information, please call The MIRACLE Foundation at 516-705-1813 or visit www.miraclefoundation.com.
   
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