Kids Fight Back Against Cancer To Honor Dad Who Lost Battle

SHIRLEY, NY — In a strong show of love and solidarity, the William Floyd Elementary School community came together to help a family who lost a beloved father recently.

Together, they raised $1,930.68 to benefit the children’s bereavement program at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in honor of Kyle Horstmann, a devoted husband, father, William Floyd alumnus and William Floyd Elementary School parent volunteer who recently passed away from colon cancer, according to the district.

The idea for the fundraiser, “A Mile for Kyle,” came from Ava Cusimano, a rising sixth grader, and former student council president whose grandmother is a colon cancer survivor, district officials said.

When she heard that her neighbor had passed away, she wanted to raise money and awareness in his honor, so the school and the student council organized “A Mile for Kyle,” a walk in which students were encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero and walk a mile around the school property to raise money, the district said.

Patch courtesy photo.