Current Pittston Area High School students along with alumni from the very first Pittston Area graduating class are reaching out to help a baby battling a rare disease.

Kaiden Abul-Ela, grandson of retired Pittston Area School District teachers Ray and Rosemary Calabrese, was diagnosed with AT/RT Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor in November of 2009, and is currently undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Kaiden is the son of Nader and Christina Abul-Ela, the former Christina Calabrese, and a 1994 graduate of Pittston Area.

Friday, January 29, awas dedicated to Kaiden at Pittston Area and students participated in a fundraising event.

Liza Pritchyk, benefit organizer, said the idea for the fundraiser came about during a conversation she had with Kaiden’s aunt, Tina Gattuso. Because of Pittston Area’s current dress code guidelines, the idea of a “dress down” day to generate student excitement and participation in this worthy cause was developed.

For “dress down” day, contributing students would be given a light blue bracelet which would allow them the opportunity to wear unripped jeans and appropriate t-shirts on January 29. The bracelet would be inscribed with the name of the benefit, “Kaiden’s Cause.”

Liza presented the plan to high school administration and was given approval.

“Kaiden’s Cause was a great success at Pittston Area High School and showed the generosity of our student body,” Liza said. “The students, teachers, and administration were behind this project 100% and we raised nearly $3000 for Kaiden.”

Liza extends a heart felt thank you to all students who participated. A special thank to high school Guidance Counselor Tina Kayden, whose support, assistance, and guidance was greatly appreciated, Liza said.

In a separate fundraising effort, The Pittston Area Class of 1967, of which Ray Calabrese was a member, is seeking donations to help defray some of Kaiden’s medical expenses.

The PA Class of 1967 Social Club is asking fellow ’67 classmates to make a donation to Ray Calabrese’s grandson’s family. “February is the month of love, let us show our love for Ray and his grandson by making a donation to help in his care,” said classmate Ellen Scatena.

Checks may be made out to The PA Class of 1967 Social Club and mailed by February 17 to: the PA Class of ’67 Social Club, c/o John Brogna, 100 1/2 Cliff St., Pittston, PA 18640.

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