By C. Ron Allen
Our readers often comment that there should be more good news in the paper. While it’s true that there’s more than enough bad news to go around, I recently learned about some cool things that involve our local kids that I’m sure won’t get much airtime or ink.
Rest assured, the Boca Raton Tribune is trying to change that.
I recently attended a benefit for Hailey Kennedy, a 13-year-old local lady, who was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which afflicts approximately 500 children in the United States each year.
She had been losing weight and after a doctor’s visit, she got the news of her malady.
She was rushed to St. Jude’s Children’s’ Hospital in Memphis and recently had to undergo her second bone marrow aspiration. She also began intensive chemotherapy.
More than 100 supporters attended the evening of Art and music at William Debilzen Art Gallery downtown Delray Beach.
Hailey is a gifted singer at Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach and she wants to someday be a singer. So it was only fitting that Jace Vek, a local accomplished musician, perform at her benefit.
Jay penned a tribute to Hailey and with the utmost professionalism, he performed in style.
Another girl, Emma Sara Blount, learned about Hailey’s condition and wanted to help. She sold friendship bracelets to her friends and on Facebook. And she raised a whopping $200 for the cause. Wow, for an 11-year-old, that’s a lot of work and a lot of money. Kudos to you Emma.
And there was the story of Yaz Jade, the 13-year-old debuted as a song, “Louder than Words” on Thursday as a tribute to her dad, who is hearing impaired.
Yaz will be performing four or five songs this weekend at the Boating and Beach Bash in Boca Raton.
Once a year, right here in Boca Raton, we can find a place where people with many differences can come together.
There is no mocking, there is no pity, there is only respect and acceptance. This Saturday, thousands of people with physical and intellectual challenges – many of whom have served our country and many who are too young to know the hardships of war – will find a place where they can be honored. Honored for their strength, their desire for self-reliance and their presence among us.
It is not easy to grow up in America these days. Some would say it never has been an easy place despite what those outside our nation may think. Our corporate side and many educational institutions instill the sense that “fitting in” is the most highly desired quality a person can possess to have success.
We are taught, often indirectly, that differences are not something to be cherished. That differences detract from the whole.
But wasn’t our country founded on our desires to be accepted for our differences? To praise and to live in a way that was not dictated by any one entity?
All too often disabilities are often looked upon with a taunting eye, particularly in our younger years, during the years when a person’s outlook on life — perhaps through eyes that don’t see so
well, or in a body that can’t maneuver — is developed.
The Boating and Beach Bash presents an all-too-rare opportunity for members of the community — and by community I mean people from all over Florida and beyond — to enjoy at least one day of the year to be free. For one day, those who are not able to walk so well, talk so well or even hear music or see a bird fly can feel honored. For these are Very Important People.
We take for granted the gifts that we are given. Our kids play video games and express frustration when they don’t have the latest app or newest phone. Frankly, I remember times in my youth when I too would be upset over not having a “cool” car or the hippest clothing.
Anyway, have a great week and until next week, Thumbs up to our kids.
C. Ron