As many of you are aware, our family has been struggling to cope with the life-altering issue of this dreaded disease called cancer. The New Hyde Park community has identified this and has collectively rallied around our family and provided us with a massive wave of support that seems to be reaching epic proportions. We will never be able to properly thank you for the inexplicable kindness and generosity exhibited from yours to ours. Upon hearing of Jackie's illness, there was a call to arms which resonated throughout the school and the enormous response is a testament to the quality of families we feature here in NHP. We were soon contacted with strict instructions as to "what, where, and when" different things would be unfolding and we were ordered to not ask "why or how." This town came together as a community to help one of its own which is the benchmark of human compassion. Is there a better lesson for our children to be taught? By initiating a food chain, you have eliminated any stress of planning, shopping, and cooking. While the financial appreciation cannot be overlooked, it is the simple yet powerful moments we share as a family at the kitchen table every evening that have impacted us the most. We are able to enjoy each other more so now, than ever before, as we marvel at your thoughtfulness while savoring these delicious meals. A known criterion in fighting and ultimately beating cancer is the absolute reliance of the individual staying positive and remaining upbeat. Your food chain accomplishes that and so much more. In essence, this town has forced themselves onto this playing field and we believe your actions have made a direct impact on Jackie's encouraging prognosis. The support demonstrated to us has been unfathomable. The cards, letters, E-mails, phone calls, prayers, visits, rides, sleep-overs, dinners, house cleaning, flowers, baby sitting, faculty support, Little League support, gift cards, inspirational books, messages, thoughts, and countless other offers are truly appreciated. Where does it end? We have been staggered by your generosity and we are currently using your kindness as a source of motivation as we continue to push ahead. Something good will always come out of a bad situation. For us, it is the knowledge that our children are receiving (on a daily basis) a most pure and wonderful gift which epitomizes the very best of America. In closing, we wish to inform you of just how high we value your friendship. We are in awe. You have educated us, which has strengthened our family, and we look forward with thrilling anticipation to someday, "paying it forward." As a family of devout Yankee fans, we would like to borrow the words of the famous Lou Gehrig, "Today, we consider ourselves the luckiest family on the face of the earth." With our most heartfelt appreciation, The Hickey Family (Will and Jackie, and Willie, Kristen, Jenny and Kayla.)