Ethan's freezin' for a reason!
Young activist helps seriously ill children have the time of their lives at Camp Sunshine: you can help him reach his goal.
photos from the plunge
Doing warm and fuzzy things for your fellow man can make you tingle all the way down to your toes. Roxbury Central School fourth grader Ethan McDaniel can tell you all about that shivery sensation when he leaps into the icy fresh waters of Sebago Lake in Maine on March 3. Ethan has not joined a cult or taken leave of his senses. He's on a mission to give at least one family with a child who has a life-threatening illness an all-expenses paid trip to the time of their lives at Camp Sunshine.
Ethan has jumped into this "Freezin for a Reason" Polar Plunge fundraising effort with extra enthusiasm because Camp Sunshine and the children who visit there have been a part of his life for a long time. Located in Casco, Maine, the camp is free for children with such serious illnesses as lupus, kidney disease and cancer. Since his parents, John and Donna, have been volunteers at the camp for awhile, Ethan and his little sister Claire have visited as campers and made many friends during their stays. (John and Donna volunteered five separate weeks there in just the past year.)
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| Ethan and his good friend Chris (standing) share a happy moment at Camp Sunshine. Ethan and Chris stay in touch regularly and thankfully, Chris' cancer is now in remission. |
"Some people think I'm a little crazy and I am nervous, but jumping in a little cold water is nothing compared to what these kids at Camp have gone through," says Ethan of taking the plunge. Ethan hopes his breath-taking heroics will raise enough funds to send at least one child and his or her family for a family week at camp. "For many families who come, this is a chance to experience a happiness and joy they may not have felt since they received their child's diagnosis," said John, "And as parents, we're thankful to let Ethan and Claire share that experience and see a part of life many rarely get to see."
As his own buddies know, Ethan's not had the easiest time of it himself the past couple of years, although you won't hear him going on about it. A serious eye injury during second grade resulted in one complication after the other, lots of doctors, seven operations, the loss of sight in the eye and eventually losing his eye altogether. Ethan was long on stoicism and short on complaining during that interminable ordeal. But he can no doubt empathize with the unfun adventures in medical care that Camp Sunshine kids endure year round. They probably share some good doctor jokes, too.
As he strives to reach his goal of at least $1500 before the icy plunge -- less than six weeks away! -- Ethan is appreciative of all the support he's received from his friends and family himself and although his hometown is small, Ethan is confident that his community will always come through for a worthy cause. Every penny pledged will go straight to Camp Sunshine and -- who knows -- maybe a new friend for Ethan and Claire. "It's such an important part of my life, we can't wait to go back," says Ethan, "it's the best."
You can give to Ethan's Polar Plunge via the internet in two minutes flat. Just go to www.campsunshine.org, and click the link for "Polar Plunge." On the donation page, choose "A.J.'s Plunge" and in the comments specify that you're sponsoring Ethan McDaniel. You can choose any amount to pledge that you want and your contribution is made securely on-line. Or, just send your donation, made payable to Camp Sunshine, to McDaniel Family, 6523 Co Hwy 36, Denver, NY 12421. Ethan will be sure to thank you — just as soon as his teeth stop chattering.
Photos from the Polar Plunge |
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