The 4th annual Ice It Up fundraiser is planned March 26, coordinated by Laura Morris, to benefit a children’s cancer fund. Morris holds her daughter, Morgan, who is now in remission.
WESTFIELD – “Team Momo” is hoping that area residents will take to the ice on March 26 for a special fundraiser, the 4th annual Ice It Up with Griffin’s Friends, to raise money for a children’s cancer fund.
Amelia Park Ice Arena will be the setting from 3-6 p.m. for a fun afternoon that includes ice skating from 3-5 p.m., as well as music and entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts, a bake sale and raffle, balloon art, an ice cream bar and nail painting. Additionally, events will include a 50/50 raffle, sports memorabilia auction, kid’s games for prizes, characters including Shrek to interact with, and professional photography opportunities.
Team Momo, comprised of runners and friends of the family of Morgan Morris of Southwick, is coordinating the logistics for the event, and they hope to raise $3,000 for the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation, Inc.
Griffin’s Friends, founded in 1994 in Springfield, is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing support to children with cancer. Griffin’s Friends is named for Griffin D. Kelleher, who passed away at 14 months of age after a courageous battle with cancer. Proceeds raised from fundraisers throughout the year pay for holiday parties, trips to stage performances and sporting events, summer picnics, and in-hospital and outpatient entertainment, for children and their families in need in times of greatest turmoil.
Team Momo is organized by Laura Morris, Morgan’s mother, and includes runners associated with Griffin’s Friends from across the region.
“The Ice It Up fundraiser is put together by our family and the runners from Griffin’s Friends who run for Momo,” said Laura Morris. “Each runner also helps to plan an aspect of the event, whether it be the face painting, the candy bar, the DJ, or arranging for characters to come to the event.”
Morgan Morris was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Aug. 1, 2011, at the age of 2 ½.
“The last thing our family ever imagined was that our spunky little girl would be diagnosed with cancer,” said Morris. “Before being diagnosed she was always healthy, energetic and had the normal life of a 2 ½-year-old.”
Morris said her daughter kept her “spunk and spice” throughout her treatment, always smiling, laughing and making the most of her situation.
“Despite chemo every single day for 2 ½ years, multiple transfusions, spinal taps and bone marrow biopsies, she was strong and brave,” said Morris.
On Oct. 11, 2013, Morgan completed her treatment, according to Morris.
“We are proud to say she is cancer-free, active, and wise beyond her years,” said Morris. “She loves life and finds joy in being busy. She enjoys swimming, reading, hanging out with her friends, horseback riding and hockey.”
For Morgan, her hope already at age 7 is to be a teacher.
“Our family is blessed to be able to enjoy her smile and unique perspective on the world,” said Morris.
Since Morgan was diagnosed with cancer, Morris said her family has learned to give back.
“We realize the importance of being active in the community to help others see the benefits of being part of the bigger picture,” said Morris. “Giving of your time and heart goes a long way.”
Morris said that with Team Momo being a partner with the Children’s Miracle Network, Griffin’s Friends and Baystate Children’s Hospital, her family has been “empowered” to help others deal with childhood cancer and find strength.
“No one needs to go alone along this journey,” said Morris. “Morgan has taught us all so much about life, and we want to share that with everyone.”
Tickets for the fundraiser are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
“We hope this is our best year yet,” said Morris. “Our hearts are dedicated to giving back and helping raise money to bring moments of joy to children with cancer in our area.”
