Thursday, August 13, 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Local Myers Park High School student Zach Stroud has raised more than $2,000 that will benefit financially needy patients at Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Clinic, through the Zach Ramsey Children's Cancer Fund. The money will be used to provide both medical and miscellaneous financial assistance to families in need who have a child undergoing cancer treatment.
Stroud, 16, designed a memorial garden at his church and sold personalized bricks to raise money for the fund as part of his project to earn his Eagle Scout, the highest designation attained in the Boy Scout organization. Stroud ultimately selected to support this cause because of his personal connection with Zach Ramsey, the namesake of the Zach Ramsey Children's Cancer Fund.
Ramsey battled a rare form of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, and passed away from the disease, but not without forever leaving his mark on the world. He started the fund himself after seeing the overwhelming financial burdens and stresses that cancer treatment can cause and challenged his parents to honor his life by continuing to raise funds.
"We are honored that Zach Stroud has chosen to raise money for such a noble cause and support families in such a challenging time in their life," said Don Jonas, vice president of Presbyterian Hospital Foundation. "His generous donation will truly touch the lives of pediatric cancer patients and families, and we can't thank him enough."
For more information about Presbyterian Healthcare, including services provided and the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation, please visit www.presbyterian.org. For more information on the Zach Ramsey Children's Cancer Fund, please visit www.zachsfund.org.
