Fifteen-year old Lauren Lenardi proved she was indeed strong when she attended a fundraiser in her honor after having just left the hospital that same afternoon.
Lauren Strong, a fundraiser organized by the Kings Park girls high school soccer teams was recently held to support Lenardi who has been diagnosed with rabdomoscarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. T-shirt and bake sales as well as a win for the varsity team helped propel the event. Islip was defeated 5-0.
But the biggest determning factor for the success in the event did not lie in the win, but in its honoree.
“The number one reason that Lauren Strong was a huge success was because Lauren was able to be there,” said Bridget Keenan, coach for the junior varsity team.
Spectators wore yellow shirts that said Lauren Strong, said Keenan as a reminder of how many lives are touched by cancer.
“She is a determined, strong, courageous person who has inspired all the lives she touches,” said Keenan.
