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Community Corner

'Mission for Mason' Fundraiser a Huge Success

Lindenhurst community gathers for a car wash to help raise money for family of local boy battling leukemia.

More than 250 cars came through the parking lot of Pep Boys on Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst on Saturday, September 17, while dozens of volunteers worked hard throughout the day to get them all sparkling clean.

It was part of a soapy, fun and successful day of fundraising for , a six-year-old boy who's waging a battle against leukemia that he's winning, with the loving support of his family and the community.

“He has had a number of good days in a row. Treatments are helping. In fact, he was supposed to have gone in for a transfusion today, but his levels were good, and he was free to just enjoy the day,” said Mike , Mason’s father.

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He's also a member, and ex-captain, of the , as is his brother. Their father is a former chief of the department.

Members of the department and the joined with dozens of friends and neighbors, school employees and more than 40 students from the , and other local supporters, to wash cars, serve pizza and donuts, and sell t-shirts and bracelets bearing Mason’s name and the motto, “No one fights alone.”

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Together, their efforts raised thousands of dollars for Mason’s family. The funds will help the Batz family deal with the mounting medical expenses for the tests and medication needed to help keep Mason in remission.

Janet Romero, Tracy Hennigan, Dawn Lane, Amy Beyer and Jeanine Batz, Mason's mother, organized the car wash, which is a prelude to a major fundraising gala event on November 5 at Firemen’s Pavillion in Lindenhurst.

Jeanine Batz became emotional when she talked about the local response to Mason’s illness.

“You sometimes forget just how good and giving people really are, and can be. It’s still overwhelming to think about how much support we’ve gotten and are still being given,” she said, gesturing over to little Mason, who stood smiling and eating a snow cone. “And he's been incredible. He gets something like fifty shots a week but he never complains. He just takes it in stride. He’s a great kid.”

That sentiment was echoed by everyone who participated in the on September 17, 2011 who had the chance to spend a moment with Mason.

Viking Athletics – old friends of the Batz family - donated the shirts bearing the phrase “Mission for Mason” that were worn - and quite thoroughly soaked - by the dozens of volunteers who participated in the car wash.

Volunteers on the local Mr. Softee truck served up treats all day, and the company kindly donated all profits to the Batz’ cause. Dunkin Donuts and were also among the local businesses who contributed.

funded the pizza, and lent the group space for the day, including an area near their front door where folks could make donations.

Local baseball coach Keith Dalpos, who manned the table in front of the store, summed up the spirit of the day perfectly: “You know how it is. It’s simple. When friends need something, you help.”

To make a donation to the Mission for Mason fund, please contact Amy Beyer at 631-504-2969. Organizers are also still seeking donated merchandise for the Chinese auction that will be held at the upcoming gala on .

 

Editor's Note: Watch for a look back through the at the .

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