Motorcycle blessing aids boy

The event raised funds for the boy, who is being treated for leukemia.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

YOUNGSTOWN — After hearing that Angello Astorga’s leukemia had returned, it didn’t take Bobby Arroyo long to swing into high gear to help.

Arroyo, president of the local chapter of the Latin American Motorcycle Association, rode with more than a dozen chapter members to Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday to take part in a motorcycle blessing fundraiser. The event was geared toward raising money to help defray some of the medical expenses for a bone-marrow transplant Angello, 15, will need.

“We felt an affinity to the church and wanted to help [in part because Angello is a member],” Arroyo said. “We participate in community activism.”

Kicking off the 15-minute blessing, conducted in the church’s parking lot by the Rev. David Weikart of St. Christine Church in Cornersburg, was a Bible reading and a prayer. Shortly afterward, the motorcyclists drove slowly past the church, 810 Oak St., where the Rev. Mr. Weikart blessed them with holy water, before returning for a brunch in the cafeteria.

Symptoms returned

Angello was diagnosed with leukemia a little over three years ago and, for a while, his disease had been in remission. Recently, however, the symptoms returned, and he now receives chemotherapy, said Juan Mercado, the boy’s stepfather.

Despite his difficulties, Angello has remained a straight-A student at Campbell Memorial High School, said his stepsister, Millie Morales. Angello, who’s in Akron Children’s Hospital, is a diligent student who enjoys school and keeps up with his studies, even while hospitalized, Morales said.

“He’s a good fighter,” she said.

Angello’s No. 1 wish is to see his maternal grandmother, who lives in Peru, his stepfather said.

The blessing seemed to bring out the generosity in many people, including one parishioner who tightly folded a $100 bill and handed it to one of the LAMA members. The event raised $814, said Cathy Mastropietro, a member of Immaculate Conception who helped with the fundraiser.

Also supporting the effort were members of Paladin Knights Chapter 4 of Youngstown, a nonprofit motorcycle group. The chapter’s main charity is the Youngstown Veterans Association Outreach Clinic, said Dave Dattilo, Paladin Knights’ president.

Sponsoring the blessing were Nemenz IGA Super Centers, Union Square Sparkle Market of Youngstown and Mastropietro Winery Inc. of Berlin Center.