Little Joey’s Army, Ready for Battle
For more information, contact:
Kathy Dienert
Director of Public Relations
Baldwin Health Center
[email protected]
412-605-7756
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Little Joey’s Army, Ready for Battle
Pittsburgh, PA – January 17, 2015 ― Baldwin Health Center brings a Pittsburgh community into battle for the smile of a little boy.
Last spring, the family of 8-year-old Joey Fabus of Bethel Park received the devastating news that their little boy was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive inoperable pediatric brain tumor and that would leave him with less than a year to live.
Joey’s parents, Cindy and David Fabus, have since focused on enjoying every last minute with him and keeping his spirits high with the support of Little Joey s Army, a collaboration of family, friends and community. Baldwin Health Center welcomed the opportunity to be a part of Little Joey’s Army by bringing the community together for a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit.
On Saturday’s warm afternoon, Baldwin Health Center and partner-sponsor Grane Hospice & Home Health welcomed over 200 guests for a spaghetti dinner provided by Chef Dominick Barca, of Thee Olde Place Inn. Bread Works made a generous donation of 500 rolls for the dinner. Guests were invited to take a chance on over forty-five Raffle Baskets donated by local businesses, clubs, employees and organizations.
Joey, having been a longtime fan, was in for a surprise when Captain America stopped by the benefit to deliver him an Honorary Captain America of 2015 suit. “His smile lit up the room when he held Captain America’s shield”, expressed Janelle Metnick, Executive Director of Baldwin Health Center. “It was a blessing to see that we were able to bring him joy”.
Other local community members were eager to join Joey’s Little Army, as well. Two police officers from the Whitehall Police Department presented Joey with police patches and one of the officers gave Joey the Whitehall pin he wears on his uniform. Judge Ron Arnoni stopped in to bring Joey a piece of NASCAR star Kasey Kane’s automobile. Kids from the local elementary school created hand-made army camouflage placemats for the dinner tables. The local Olive Garden delivered thirty dinners for the Fabus family to take home.
With contributions from the dinner, raffle baskets, and donations the event generated $8,000 that will help cover medical expenses, lost income and anything that makes Joey happy. To join Joey’s Little Army, like his Joey’s Journey page on Facebook to follow his daily progress or to make a donation (https://www.facebook.com/www.joeysjourney).
