GENESEE COUNTY/Community shows up in force at “Hops for Hope”

Eli Fish Brewing Co. was packed from front to back with people coming together for a good cause on Sunday afternoon.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation held their 2nd annual “Hops for Hope” to raise money for local families dealing with pediatric cancers and for local youth groups.

The Foundation was established in 2007, in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the eight year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, NY who died from Burkitt’s Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael’s illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities.

“Just remember how important moments are, moments change very rapidly as ours did in 2005,” Laurie Napoleone told the crowd on hand.

“We have learned through the experience that you surround yourself with good people, you continue to move forward despite the many challenges life gives you, you try to enjoy that day and that moment.”

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Board

Because of all the support of the local and surrounding community, friends, board of directors and local businesses, the Foundation, since 2007, has raised $436,000 for families dealing with pediatric cancer, $91,000 towards research at the Biomedical Center in Rochester and $59,794 in grants for local youth.

The Foundation also made a $50,000 donation to Golisano Children’s Hospital, and is currently in the process of donating $25,000 to UMMC in Batavia for a pediatric room in the ICU for sick children. They hope it will be completed in the next year.

The event offered food, drinks, games raffles and music by the OHMS Band, for $15 charge at the door.

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