Mahopac residents Tommy Lagomarsino, 11, and his mom, Loren, had a blast cavorting in the mud.
MAHOPAC – Kids of all ages romped in the mud Saturday to raise money and awareness in support of childhood cancer research.
The Muddy Puddles Mess Fest took place at Camp Kiwi Country Day Camp Mahopac in memory of Ty Louis Campbell of Pawling, a five-year-old, who lost his valiant fight against cancer in 2012.
The little boy was diagnosed with a malignant tumor at the base of his skull and after spending more than 200 nights in hospitals while undergoing 11 cycles of chemotherapy and 44 days of agonizing radiation treatments, Ty passed away.
Ty’s father, Louis, thanked the large crowd that attended despite the weather promising to “raise as much money as possible for the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation. We must find a cure for pediatric cancer research in order to save children from this horrific illness.”
He said cancer remains the number one killer of children with one person out of 330 being diagnosed with cancer before they reach 20.
Why the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest?
Louis recalled when his son lost the ability to walk, “he found joy chasing his brother around the house by scooting across the floor on his behind. When Ty could no longer manipulate his toys, he enjoyed looking through toy catalogs as his friends and family turned the pages. When he couldn’t eat some of his favorite foods, Ty found happiness in the simple sweetness from his favorite blue lollipops and when he was stuck in the hospital for months on end, he loved to get pushed around in his wheelchair and get outside for a breath of fresh air.”
The elder Campbell remembered that “Ty never stopped smiling, even as more and more of his childhood was taken from him. Our little warrior often talked about jumping into muddy puddles. It was the thing he wanted to do most when he got better. That idea alone – the joy found in the simple act of jumping in a muddy puddle – is a perfect demonstration of how incredibly beautiful childhood can be. What it is supposed to be all about!”
The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative research and clinical trials specifically geared toward the treatment of the most aggressive childhood cancers. “Our organization seeks less toxic, more effective treatments that are specifically designed for children fighting cancer with the ultimate mission to help fund the intelligence and technology that will improve long-term survival rates for children diagnosed with the deadliest cancers,” Louis said.
Tax deductible checks may be forwarded to the not-for-profit at 1787 Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512. Additional information is available by calling 845-204-5447.
