Michael Magro or "Magro" as he was fondly called by his friends at Hicksville Middle School was a spirited, fun-loving young man in the seventh grade and like many teens he could easily get absorbed in a daydream whether it was the thrill of being a professional lacrosse player being cheered by thousands of fans as he confidently sashayed onto the playing field or a rock musician receiving a standing ovation by a sold-out crowd at a concert hall. Yes, Michael Magro's passions were playing lacrosse and music.

And, just as he was revered by the fans in his daydreams Michael was beloved by his family and friends, and he is fondly remembered for his sensitivity to others. In July 2004, Michael passed away from a courageous battle with leukemia. He was 13 years old.

"He cared more about others than he did himself. He was kind and compassionate with a zest for life," said Michael's mom, Terrie. And whether at school, home or playing lacrosse Mike "gave it his all and never gave up." His warm smile was comforting, and his empathetic nature made him a trusted "peacemaker" among his friends, always bringing out the best in others.

In Michael's memory and to honor his life the Magro family established the Michael Magro Foundation. The foundation, a 503 (3) nonprofit, all volunteer organization established in Janaury 2005, benefits Mineola's Winthrop-University Hospital's Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center and Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, pledging 100 percent of its profits to benefit those children diagnosed with cancer and their families. In addition, a scholarship fund was established through the Hicksville High School scholarship program to benefit a graduating student who has achieved both academic and athletic excellence.

The foundation's fundraising activities are held throughout the calendar year with the unfailing support of friends, families and the Long Island business community. On May 11, Frassanito Jewelers in Huntington held a festive Mother's Day celebration with wine, cheese and dessert for all those shopping at the store. A portion of the evening sales was donated to the Michael Magro Foundation.

The previous weekend, a carwash fundraiser with a barbecue lunch and raffle prizes was held at the BOCES building on West John Street. The May 5 event was a success with all cars washed spanking clean.

A mission of the Michael Magro Foundation is to help relieve the financial hardships experienced by the families whose child is in treatment, particularly those families who live at a distance from Winthrop-University Hospital.

"Gas and hotel expenses are significant when caring for a child away from home for weeks or sometimes months, and this can be financially daunting for the family already faced with huge medical bills," said Terrie, adding, "The foundation also provides for baby-sitting expenses while family members attend therapy sessions and support groups; we donate gift cards to supermarkets, and we help with pharmacy co-payments and so much more."

For those children in treatment at Winthrop's Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center and at the Cancer Center for Kids, the foundation has donated X-Box game consoles and game cartridges, portable televisions with stands, arts & crafts supplies, books, and more. The Magros keep an eye on the hospital's wish-list, and year-round gifts are graciously donated to benefit Winthrop. In addition, the foundation donates gift cards to area movies, restaurants and Blockbuster stores giving the parents a "recreational respite" and "petty cash" is provided for popcorn and refreshments while at the movies.

"We want to enable the families in crisis to take a step back and take a deep breath... to go out and forget about the trauma and the hardship for a little while," said Terrie. "It's hard but important to focus on the good life even when you are dealing with terrible difficulties." She added, "To smile, for just a moment, and enjoy the small gifts we can provide is a step toward healing."

When asked how the Michael Magro Foundation has benefited the Cancer Center for Kids this year, director and Great Neck resident Dr. Mark Weinblatt, who is also chief of Winthrop-University Hospital's Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, said, "The foundation has helped us tremendously this year. We have been able to provide families with the 'Parent Resource' book, a binder which gives families an understanding of what is to take place in the child's next three years of treatment. Parents can also keep a record of their child's treatments in the book, and gift cards to stores are provided in the book for the families to use. And this past April, the foundation was a sponsor of the Cancer Center for Kids inaugural ball."

The money raised at the April event is to benefit the center's psychosocial programs and research - both are solely funded by fundraising and grants.

"Michael would be so happy to know that we are helping other people now because it's what he would have wanted to do for the children in treatment at Winthrop, and their families," said Terrie.

For information about the Michael Magro Foundation, visit www.michaelmagrofoundation.com.