The Locust Valley Central School District recently raised an impressive $13,000 for one of their own: 10th-grader Mitch Pacifico who is battling leukemia. In an effort to raise money to assist the family with medical costs, hundreds of people came out for a school-sponsored fundraiser titled, "Mitch Madness" held on Friday, March 3.

During Mitch Madness, Locust Valley High School and Middle School teachers played friendly but competitive games in volleyball and basketball. Spectators were asked for a $10 donation. Mitch Madness T-shirts and a bake sale were also part of creating the fundraiser's proceeds.

Mitch Madness organizer and Locust Valley Department Leader of English Margaret Stolworthy said, " I was moved by how quickly the student body, faculty and community at large came together. It was the biggest turnout that gym has ever seen."

Ms. Stolworthy received a letter from the Pacifico family thanking the participants.

Mrs. Pacifico wrote: "I don't even know where to begin ... On Oct. 11, we were dealt the most terrifying news a family could ever imagine. The six of us and our extended family were devastated beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Yet, somehow, we knew we had only hours to feel sorry for ourselves. It was what it was and there was absolutely nothing anyone could do to change it. We had to go forward with hope and faith and an absolute positive resolve that Mitchell has the strength to withstand the horrors of the treatment and to come out on the other side better for it. We have no doubt that somehow we will all be better for it.

"Mitchell has been in remission since day 21. His treatments continue every Friday for two years in a major effort to keep him in remission. The prayers of this community have, without a doubt in our minds, helped all of us, and especially Mitchell in his fight ... and it is the fight of a lifetime. We thank you for this and ask that you continue to hold Mitch in your hearts and prayers for the next two years.

"We are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern and love for our family. So many have done so much to help make this time just a little more bearable for us. We honestly don't know what to say at times. We need you all to know how extremely grateful we are for all your efforts---every single one of them makes a difference in our lives. Whether you sit with a rosary, plan a major fundraiser, call with comforting words, send a card, bake cookies, make a meal, or donate even one single dollar we are aware of it all and we thank God for the blessings of all of you everyday!

"The fund which has been established will go very far in helping to cover what we know will be astronomical medical costs. Our insurance, like most insurance, will cover only a portion of the bills, which began arriving the very first week. We've put it all aside in deference to concentrating on Mitchell's recovery. It may sound ignorant but it is our only defense in a world that seems to have closed in on us.

"So we are in debt to all of you for your many contributions and we will never forget a single one of them. Our simple thanks just don't seem like enough. If you are faced with sudden adversity, there is no better place to be than here in our community. People we are not even sure we know ... care --- everyone cares! How blessed are we!

"When our heads hit the pillow at night we first say our "Just for Mitchell" prayer, then we thank God for each of you who continues to hold Mitchell in your heart and lastly we pray that this community has seen the last of this type of illness for a long time to come."

The letter was signed: "John, Beverly, Nadine, John III, Ryan and Mitchell."

Ms. Stolworthy said it was impressive to see everyone pitching in to make this event a huge success. She said project leaders David Rupp and Sean Simensky who are Mitch's friends paid attention to every detail. In addition to coming up with the event name, the pair acted as referees and emcees.

Thanks to everyone's generosity, the two-hour event raised $ 13,000 for The Mitchell Pacifico Fund through the Bank of America.