Pins For Pauly Helps Fight Leukemia

Most people have heard of organizations that raise funds to fulfil the wishes of kids with life-threatening illnesses.

In the case of Pins for Pauly, there’s a twist. In the case of 15-year old Pauly Pavlou, who succumbed to childhood leukemia about ten years ago, it was his wish that his friends and family would help other kids afflicted with the same disease.

“Just before he passed, friends of Pauly had a bowl-a-thon – they raised funds for him, and prepared a video,” said Georgia Pavlou, Pauly’s mother. “When he saw the video, he said ‘do this for other children.' It was Pauly’s wish.”

Georgia and her husband Andreas have been fulfilling Paul’s wish ever since. She’s been dedicated ever since to raising funds – and the spirits – of families whose have been afflicted with this disease. Since May 2002, Pins for Pauly Foundation has raised funds for 201 children who have leukemia and are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Families in need hear about the foundation, typically, through the hospital where Pauly was treated, Schneider’s Children’s Hospital. “Up until now, it’s been children in New York State, though we’ve helped two other kids from other states,” said Pavlou. “We’ve been able to donate anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000 to families.”

The fundraiser, held once a year, has grown steadily through the years. In fact last year, a substantial crowd come out to bowl – as many as 300 kids.

“This is great. All the kids, big and small, get to come out and have a wonderful afternoon of bowling fun – and help so many people at the same time,” said Alex Exarchou, a Pins for Pauly board member. ”It’s great.”

The day includes breakfast and lunch, free t-shirts, three games and, most importantly, a chance to help out a worthy program that benefits kids with Leukemia. Entry fee goes to the price of shoes and lanes – funds are raised by obtaining pledges of sponsorship for bowling.

If you want to help Pins for Pauly Foundation assist children and their families who are stricken with children’s leukemia, you might want to consider coming out and bowling yourself at the next fundraiser, set for Saturday May 14, 2011, 9:30 am, at Wantagh Lanes.

If you do, you’ll be helping to keep Pauly’s Wish alive.