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Playing for Nicholas
Officials host benefit concert for local child with cancer
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The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra played at last Friday evening's benefit concert.
Skyler Kessler/Herald
Playing the cello at the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra fundraiser concert are Jennifer Flaum, left, and Lougene Kennedy.
Skyler Kessler/Herald
Conductor Louis Panacciulli conducts the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra in Lynbrook as part of a benefit concert to raise money for a Valley Stream child.
Skyler Kessler/Herald
Orchestra member Dr. John Gallagher, left, joined by Conductor Louis Panacciulli, presented Nicholas Lakharam with a variety of gifts.
Skyler Kessler/Herald
Despite torrential rain, the show went on for the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, who played at Greis Park Recreation Center in Lynbrook on July 8. The musical event raised money for 11-year-old Nicholas Lakharam, a recent graduate of Howell Road Elementary School in Valley Stream District 13 who is battling bone cancer.
The event raised more than $4,250 for Nicholas and his family, and was organized by school nurse Jean Lowery, and teachers Toni Pomerantz, and Louis Panacciulli, who is also the orchestra’s conductor.
“He has such a wonderful attitude, considering as ill as he is,” Lowery said of Nicholas.
The young student always has a smile on his face, despite being diagnosed with the illness last summer, Lowery said. Nicholas missed most of his final year at Howell, and began undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Despite leg and hip surgery, Nicholas attended graduation and is in good spirits, school officials said.
Concerns about Nicholas and the family’s mounting medical expenses prompted school community members to help. After a February school fundraiser, Lowery approached Panacciulli to plan the concert, and “celebrate the family through music,” she said.
Nicholas played the trombone in the school’s concert band led by Panacciulli, who was eager to help. “He’s a very unselfish, brave child,” he said.
Several hundred people attended the event, featuring a medley of selections, including a special piece entitled “In Their Hearts” in honor of Sept. 11 victims. Raffle prizes were also given out.
Nicholas also got some gifts, including a Harry Potter train set from the Trainland store in Lynbrook. More donations are also still coming in, while Nicholas and his family are visiting relatives in Guyana thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
But it’s still a long road ahead for Nicholas, who is set to start at Memorial Junior High School in September. “He is an inspiration to us,” Pomerantz said, “and we can learn so much.”
Helping Nicholas
Donations can be sent to:
Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra
859 Willow Road
Franklin Square, NY 11010
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