East High students donate to help child with rare leukemia

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Benjamin Reynolds remembered having a $10 bill but no change, so he decided on the spur of the moment to donate the entire amount to help a child with leukemia.

“He’s a little boy who needed help, so I wanted him to get the money,” the East High School seventh-grader said, referring to 4-year-old Landon Fitzgerald-Green, who was diagnosed March 6 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a fast-growing form of cancer.

Benjamin is part of East High’s Discovery 3 Afterschool program, which provides seventh- and eighth-graders with opportunities to perform community-service projects.

He and several dozen Discovery 3 members were on hand Tuesday for a meet-and-greet gathering at the East Side school on behalf of Landon and his family.

The after-school program is in partnership with the Youngstown City Schools and the Youngstown Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Abuse program, which offers outreach efforts in the district, noted Beth McIntyre, the after-school program’s director.

Initially, the 62 Discovery 3 students wrote letters for Landon, which led to a dress-down day May 29 at East.

That fundraising effort brought in $197, which will be used to help defray costs associated with Landon’s treatment, McIntyre noted, adding that the students typically perform one such project each year.

After having fallen down a flight of steps while getting the mail, Landon was unable to walk, though X-rays failed to show any broken bones, explained his father, Walter Green.

In addition, his pediatrician was unable to find the cause of the boy’s inability to walk, Green continued, adding that blood-work results at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron revealed the cancer in one of his legs.

Landon is receiving physical therapy twice monthly, as well as chemotherapy one to four times a week, noted his mother, Lisa Fitzgerald-Green.

Also happy to be part of Tuesday’s event were seventh-graders Brianna Davis and Chanah Williams, who said they felt bad for Landon and his family and wanted to help.

“His mom was crying and was very sad when she told us about him,” said Chanah, who also volunteers at the Youngstown YMCA.

Landon’s parents expressed their gratitude toward those who are advocating for their son, who they say loves to interact with others.

“I’m glad that Landon’s story has inspired the youth to do something positive. It’s good to see the younger ones who stepped up to do something for a good cause,” Walter said.

“This is the nicest, warmest thing the community has done for us,” Lisa said, adding that Landon continues to progress well. “They have opened their arms to us and shown love and support. We’re blessed.”

Landon, who spent part of Tuesday’s gathering coloring pictures, said he felt happy and thankful to see all of the students and staff.

Those interested in helping the child are asked to donate to the Letters for Landon account at any Home Savings and Loan branch.

Also, a fundraiser for Landon is set for 7 to 10 p.m. June 22 at the Extreme Air Trampoline Park in Niles. For tickets, call Lisa Fitzgerald-Green at 330-774-2162 or email her at lisafitzgerald5@aol.com