Raising Money For Cancer Research Is A Long Island Family Affair

It looks like raising money for charity runs in the Bennet family.

Plainview residents Eytan Bennet, 7, and his younger brother, Micah Bennet, 5, recently worked together to raise $5,016 for cancer research at the 9th Annual Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium held earlier this month.

At last year's 5K, Eytan was the top fundraiser raising over $2,500 as the younger member of the Bluebirds in Pinstripes team.

This year, the brothers joined together to raise money for the same event which took place on July 15.

"Micah has observed his brother's fundraising efforts and enthusiasm over the last three years," the boys' mother, Debra Bennet said. "He was thrilled that this year, as a 5-year-old, he could finally join Eytan and my husband, Marc."

Marc also participate in the race last year on a team started by a family friend who lost a friend to cancer.

Debra also said that the two parents are so proud of both boys for participating in the fundraising and the run.

"I hope they are learning the importance of caring for others and the importance of giving of themselves to make someone else's life better," she said. "These are values that my husband and I hold as significant in our own lives and want to pass on to our children."

In addition to the 5K, the family is planning on donating their own money for cancer research.

The brothers started fundraising after they were inspired by the life of a family friend, Jill Konweiser, who lost her battle with cancer as a little girl.

"We run in her memory, hoping one day that other families will not have to experience such a loss," Debra said. "The boys know they are running to help others and help find a cure for a disease that is very dangerous."

The boys also became inspired by their grandmother, who is a breast cancer survivor.

Now, Eytan and Micah aren't the only two young fundraisers in the area. This year, two of their friends also participated in the effort, Henry and Jack Ostroff.

The Ostroffs organized a pie-eating contest to raise money for Damon Runyon.

Pictured: (from L to R) Micah, Asher (in front), Jack Ostroff, Eytan, Henry Ostroff

"We hope we will grow our team even more next year," Debra said.

The two might also inspire their youngest brother, Asher who is 21 months once he is older.