YORKTOWN, N.Y.—The Yorktown youth swimming community is pulling together to help a young swimmer and his family face a battle with leukemia.
A message from Yorktown Swim and Dive Team assistant coach Jame Mazzarano said 6-year-old Zayn Kllapija, was recently diagnosed with the disease—a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow, which causes the body to produce too many abnormal blood cells.
Mazzarano said the family has been part of the program for several years.
”I know Zayn and his sister Emina enjoy coming to practices and meets every day with big smiles on their faces," he said. "I cannot imagine how difficult it is for Zayn, Emina, and their entire family, especially as we enter the holiday season."
Noting that members of the Yorktown swim community have long demonstrated a spirit of mutual support, the coach invited YSDT members to contribute to a crowdfunding program set up for Zayn and his family.
“One thing I have valued on our team as a swimmer, diver, and now as a coach is that our team supports each other like family,” Mazzarano said. " We have athletes that swim and dive for us from when they are 6 to when they turn 18 and go to college. Many stay longer to coach, and many enroll their kids on our team.
“Let’s keep Zayn and his whole family in their thoughts and provide the full support of our team from the YSDT family to theirs,” he continued. "If you can contribute, the family has created a Go Fund Me, Your contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated by Zayn and his family.”
Mazzarano noted that the holiday season makes news of Zayn's illness all the more difficult.
“As we enter the holidays, I will be keeping Zayn and his family in my thoughts,” the coach said. "My fellow coaches and I know that Zayn is an energetic and loving kid. We see it every day at practice and hope he gets well soon.
“Zayn, know that are all behind you! Happy Thanksgiving to you all and happy holidays!”
The GoFundMe can be found at the link below.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-zayn-beat-cancer-join-our-journey
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here