Nik Cela is a nine-year-old boy in the fourth grade, yet he is not able to do what normal nine-year-olds do, so our school has decided to help him. The Lentini Advisory is having a fundraiser called Nickels For Nik to raise money for cystic fibrosis, the disease with which Nik suffers.
At the age of five months, Nik was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. As a result he isn’t able to experience childhood like most children. He cannot play sports like little kids can because cystic fibrosis affects his lungs, and he was often hospitalized as an infant.
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but there are some treatments.
The treatment, however can be very costly, which is why the Lentini Advisory has decided to help through fundraising. Ms Lentini is working with Jeri Cela and Nik’s mom, one of the main people who helps raise money for “Team Nik”.
“It is great when our school can help people outside of our school community,” said Principal Ms. Aimee Horowitz.
Great Strides is a foundation that supports curing cystic fibrosis. Ninety percent of all money raised goes directly to cystic fibrosis research and programs.
Great Strides raises money for many people with cystic fibrosis and they strive for a cure. Great Strides also organizes everything from walks to just random donations.
The walks held all over New York State are starting on May 2, 2009 and will continue until June 7, 2009.
On Sunday, May 31, 2009 there was a walk held on Staten Island at Midland Beach. This walk is opened to the public, and anyone can donate.
“ I met Nik in person and he was a wonderful kid. He touched me so much that I decided I wanted to raise money for his cause,” said Ms. Annette Lentini, parent coordinator and advisor.
