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The Woodstock Academy partners with Sparrow Clubs USA to Sponsor Local Child in Need
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Academy announced its partnership with Sparrow Clubs, a nonprofit organization based in Bend, Ore., dedicated to helping children in medical crisis while at the same time involving students at local schools in the effort.
The Academy’s Sparrow Club is organized through Sparrow Clubs USA (sparrowclubs.org) and in partnership with Generations Family Health Center, and several donors. A sparrow is a child under the age of 18 with a life-threatening, or seriously disabling medical condition, which presents extraordinary financial hardships and/or emotional challenges. Through the Sparrow Club, a school “adopts” a local sparrow, performing community service in exchange for donations, which go directly to the sparrow and his or her family.
“Our students, faculty, and staff are incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as well as the support of the greater community,” said Christopher Sandford, headmaster.
The Academy’s sparrow is Kenny B., a smart and incredibly friendly 11-year old boy with a great sense of humor and positive outlook. Two years ago, Kenny was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a noncancerous brain tumor.
Kenny endured an 8-hour brain surgery in which surgeons removed the cyst portion of the tumor and drained fluid. Surgery to remove the rest of the tumor was deemed too risky due to the tumor’s location (between the hemispheres of the brain, on the pituitary gland).
Kenny now undergoes an MRI every three months to check for tumor growth and has growth hormone treatment on a daily basis.
“Sparrow Clubs USA’s core values are compassion, conscience, character, and community; all of which are complimentary to The Woodstock Academy’s mission to prepare all students for a lifetime of learning through a diversity of educational experiences, which will foster a sense of respect for self and others, and will encourage active investment in family, school, community, and the world,” said Karin Cournoyer, Dean of Students. “By adopting a local ‘Sparrow,’ our students are able to see just how impactful their actions can be. The Sparrow Club encourages The Woodstock Academy students to participate in community service and fundraising activities, while also opening our school community to our Sparrow and his family.”