A team of youth skiers took to the slopes this weekend at the Maple Ski Ridge in Schenectady in the second annual Ski/Ride Marathon. The goal: to bring attention to the Green Drakkoman and this superhero's fight against pediatric cancer in the Capitol Region and beyond.
The Green Drakkoman?
This creation of Benjamin Stowell and his twin brother, James, is an invincible warrior for good who stood by Ben in his brave fight with osteosarcoma. It was Ben's wish to share his superhero with the world to fight alongside brave youth standing up against rare cancers.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control." The Green Drakkoman is a fierce warrior," says Ben's father, Tim Stowell. "In Ben's mind, the Green Drakkoman never fights alone. He enlists a team to fight with him. And he never loses."
The Green Drakkoman Foundation supports children and young adults fighting rare cancers. Too often, youth and their families lack the support they need in fighting pediatric cancers. The foundation focuses on creative solutions to enhance the lives of patients, providing services and support to patients and their families. It partners with other organizations to accomplish their mutual missions.
Among its goals, Green Drakkoman Foundation seeks to use technology (such as computer laptops) and the arts as tools to help maintain the spirit and wonder of childhood and keep youth connected with friends, family, and classmates. The foundation has also raised more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer research and programs.
"Drakko," in Italian, means dragon, says Tim Stowell. And although Ben passed away from his nemesis in 2009, his pal and hero continues to defeat the evil alien that attacked his friend. For more information, visit the Green Drakkoman's Web site and his home on Facebook.
Dave Balog supports Capital Region families and businesses with financial education. Contact him at dbalog99@gmail.com or at 355-0967.
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