Needham Youth Services presents April RAY of Hope

April 2014 Recipients – Cameron Liljedahl & Henry Whelan

Cameron Liljedahl and Henry Whelan are best friends and neighbors, the two fourth grade boys have known each other since they were 18 months old. Last fall, Henry suffered a concussion playing hockey and was unable to participate in physical activities for many weeks. Cameron and Henry began making rainbow loom bracelets, something they could do quietly together in one of their homes. One day when they had accumulated quite a collection, Cameron came up with the idea to sell their bracelets and give the money they would raise to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This cause was important to Cameron since his mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma last Easter. Cameron wanted to give back to the place that had given his mother such excellent care. Henry agreed that it was great idea.

Their first sale took place at the end of their street and in just one day they raised close to $300. They were instantly hooked on how good it felt to raise money for such a meaningful cause. Hillside Elementary where Henry is in fourth grade arranged a table for the boys to sell their bracelets during Family Fun night. Saint Josephs Elementary School where Cameron is a fourth grader held a pajama day where students who wished to contribute money would not only receive one of the bracelets but would also get to wear pajamas to school instead of their usual uniforms. $1,900 was raised in that one day alone!  

On Monday, December 23, both boys went into Boston to take part in a formal check presentation ceremony where they presented their total from sales in the amount of $4,500 to Dana Farber and earmarked it for the Clinical Lymphoma Group- the same group which had helped Cameron's mother.

Watch the ceremony honoring Cameron & Henry at:http://youtu.be/JJjJOXWFqhg

For more information please visitwww.needhamma.gov/youth/ray