Long Island 6-Year-Old Raises Money For Cancer Research

When 6-year-old Eytan Bennet returns to Stratford Road Elementary School this fall, he can tell his teachers and fellow students that he spent his summer raising money for charity.

The Plainview resident is currently the top fundraiser in the eighth annual Runyon 5K, a cancer research fundraising run/walk taking place later this month.

All of the money he has raised fundraising will go towards cancer research by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

"He is a very sensitive and caring individual, which certainly shows always, but especially in his dedication to raising money for this wonderful cause," his mother, Debra Bennet said.

Eytan was inspired to start raising money for the charity after a watching his father, Marc Bennet, run in the race last year on a team started by a family friend who lost a friend to cancer.

At the time, he couldn't participate at the time since he was too young. However since then, Eytan became determined to participate this year and began enthusiastically raising money to be able to participate.

"He just started asking everyone he knows," Debra said. "It's become something he's excited about."

So far, with less than two weeks until the event set for August 21, Eytan has raised almost $2,400. His goal was originally to reach $2,000, but now the family is hoping to just raise as much as possible.

"It makes me very proud to be his mother and seeing him do this," Debra said. "As his parents, we try to instill these values in him to help others and make a difference."

Eytan, an avid Yankees fan, is also excited to be able to attend the event at Yankee Stadium. He is one of 16 members of the Bluebirds in Pinstripes team, and one of the youngest participants in the 5K.

"Eytan's story illustrates the motivation of so many of our Runyon 5K participants," Lorraine Egan, President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation said. "They run or walk to honor friends, family members and colleagues, loved ones who have been touched by cancer, but they also run for themselves, because they know that they are making a difference by funding cancer research. We applaud Eytan and all of our participants for joining us in this fight."

To help Eytan raise money for the event, you can make a donation on his page here.

You can check out Eytan and the other participants of the Runyon 5K on August 21 starting at 9 a.m. at Yankee Stadium on One East 161st Street in the Bronx.