A champion can be many things. Perhaps the most noble meaning of the word "champion" is "a defender, advocate or supporter of a cause or another person." Here on Long Island, there is an organization known as Charlie's Champions Foundation, which is dedicated to the support of the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola and the families who are treated there.

Charlie's Champions recently raised $75,000 for the Cancer Center for Kids through the organization's first tennis tournament, which took place at the Shelter Rock Tennis & Country Club in Manhasset.

Charlie's Champions Foundation was created by Garden City residents Tara and John Schmitt, in the name of their son, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 and is currently being treated at the Center.

"We formed the Foundation because we have been genuinely inspired by the support we've received from family and friends and wanted to help other families in return," Mrs. Schmitt explained.

"After the unfortunate diagnosis of our son Charlie, we realized how lucky we were to be in the hands of Dr. Mark Weinblatt and the Cancer Center for Kids," she continued. "They gave us confidence towards recovery, and unconditional support through the truly tough times, including numerous hospital stays. Charlie is now in solid remission, with another year and a half of treatment left. We feel truly blessed to have the Cancer Center for Kids in our backyard."

Earlier in 2006, Charlie's Champions' raised $10,000 for the Cancer Center for Kids through the "Rage in a Cage" paddle tennis tournament, which pitted 100 registrants against each other for a good cause. And, as he trained for Reckson Long Island Marathon / Half Marathon in May, Mr. Schmitt raised donations from local credit unions that gladly lent a helping hand.

"John and Tara are two remarkable people," Linda S. Sweeney, office manager for Winthrop Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, said. "Through their hard work and remarkable efforts, they enable us to continue to treat not only our precious children, but entire families, to help them minimize stress and provide the unwavering support they so deserve."

Mrs. Schmitt explained, "One of the many unique aspects of the Cancer Center for Kids is the employment of child psychologists and child life specialists. These professionals help Charlie and the other cancer patients on a daily basis. As a parent, it's nice having them on hand at the Center because there are intense emotional moments that even a Mom or Dad can't handle - you can't just keep telling your child to 'be strong;' it's important for the kids to work their frustrations out with a professional. Charlie's Champions Foundation is dedicated to supporting these vital professionals and the important work they do."

For more information about Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, call 663-9409 or visit www.winthrop.org. For more information about Charlie's Champions, visit www.charlieschampions.com.