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PRESIDENTS’ DAY FEBRUARY 19
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Friday, February 16, 2024 Volume 20 • Issue No. 7
Veteran Thanks Joe Andruzzi Foundation by Giving Back KITTERY The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF), provides help, hope, and a reason to smile for New England cancer patients and their families through financial support when it is needed most. The Longo family of Stratham, NH, hosted a fundraiser for the foundation at Loco Coco’s Tacos in Kittery on Tuesday, February 6. The event, which was attended by more than 100 supporters, raised over $3,000 to support JAF’s mission. Rudy Longo, 92, is a JAF
Extraordinary Needs recipient and Korean War veteran. In August of 2023, Rudy re-
ceived a new refrigerator after his stopped working, courtesy of the foundation. A few weeks
later, JAF Chief Engagement Officer Joe Andruzzi and the foundation team visited Longo again and filled his refrigerator with groceries. “It’s not often that a JAF patient has the opportunity to pay it forward in such a meaningful way,” said Andruzzi. “Rudy and his daughter coordinated this fundraiser for us so that we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. To Rudy, it was his way of saying thank you for the help he
received.” In 2023, nearly $1.3 million was distributed in direct assistance to help patients and their families throughout New England with financial assistance to pay for housing, transportation, utilities, food, insurance, and other household expenses. JAF granted $175,411 in assistance to 414 Maine residents in 2023. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JA F) is committed to providing help, hope, and See ANDRUZZI on page 14 . . .
Local Fourth Grader Shares Heart Health Story By John Crommett, Copy Editor YORK As part of the month-long celebration of Heart Awareness Month, Coastal Ridge Elementary School (CRES) in York recently held a school assembly for their annual fundraiser, the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Each February for the past 25 years, CRES has participated in the annual fundraiser. The goal? To educate others about heart health and to help raise money for kids born with chronic heart conditions. D u r i ng t he a sse mbly, members of each class came up to the podium and gave talks recounting their personal interpretations of the meaning behind such words as “compas-
sion,” “perseverance,” “honesty,” and “empathy,” and how these words apply to their lives. Fourth grader Wesley Ethridge then took to the podium to talk about his experience living with heart issues. Wesley was born with a congenital heart condition that required emergency surgery when he was just six days old; his first surgery was at Boston Children’s Hospital to fix a narrowing in his aortic arch. Three weeks later, doctors performed another surgery to patch a hole in the wall of his heart and to place a band on his pulmonary artery to redirect blood flow. At a checkup appointment in 2015,
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STATEWIDE On Wednesday, February 21, viewers can tune in throughout the day to WGME CBS13 and WPFO FOX23 to hear inspiring stories of hope, and to see the impact that Make-A-Wish Maine is making in communities and families all across the state. Founded by Wayne and Caroline Morong in 1992, the Maine chapter of Make-A-Wish has granted more than 1,750 wishes and serves children in each of Maine’s 16 counties. Through the support of donors and volunteers, Make-A-Wish Maine grants on average one wish every five days. Robbie Seelye, of Calais, was Maine’s first wish child. He received an ATV for his wish
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Wesley’s family learned that he would require another emergency surgery: a full heart transplant. That surgery happened that Mother’s Day, May 10. Wesley expressed gratitude for his heart as he shared his experience with his classmates. “I love my heart,” he said, reflecting on the gift of life it has given him. “And, I love my life,” he added, emphasizing his appreciation to his classmates and his family, who were also in attendance. Wesley’s words echoed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue living fully, and deSee HEART on page 14 . . .
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in March of 1993. Eighteen years after his wish, 32-yearold Robbie ended up a guest at Make-A-Wish Maine’s Fantasy Auction, and helped present wish child Jacob with his own ATV wish. The average cost of a wish is $7,000. All wish expenses are fully covered, including travel
and spending money. The goal is to provide the child and family with a worry-free experience. Make-A-Wish Maine raises funds through the generosity of individuals and businesses, and events conducted by both the organization and by outside community groups. The telethon is an annual
event organized by the Make-AWish Foundation to raise funds and awareness for children battling critical illnesses. Throughout the broadcast, viewers will be moved by stories of wish recipients whose dreams were made possible through the generosity of donors. The telethon showcases the transformative power of granting wishes, inspiring viewers to contribute and help bring joy and hope to children across the state. Viewers are encouraged to also tune in at 7:30 p.m. for the 30-minute special airing on both CBS13 and FOX23, when MakeA-Wish Maine organizers share more about the impact of a wish come true. For more information, visit www.wish.org/maine.
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