As the last volleyball soared over the net and slammed onto the court the eruption of thunderous applause are directed not only towards the winning team, but to the achievement of the $3,800 that had been raised that night for fellow West Milford student, Apshawa first grader, Julian Brinx, to aid to his battle against cancer.
During the West Milford Interact Club’s first club meeting on September 23, the club had been brainstorming what essential projects should be launched that year when they landed upon the touching story of Julian Brinx. Brinx is currently a first grader at Apshawa Elementary School who is fighting Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects the nervous system and can spread to other organs and bones.
This was the fourth time in three years, Julian’s parents had to tell him of his cancer and its recurrence. Julian responded to this crushing news by bravely stating, “Well, I kicked cancer’s ass once- I’ll just have to do it again.” He does not want to stop fighting because “ A Brinx never gives up”.
After learning of Brinx’s indomitable spirit, the Interact Club decided to devote every project raising money and awareness to aid Julian and his family during his battle.
The first manifestation of this new oath was this volleyball tournament, a fundraiser put together in collaboration with the Varsity Club. Together, the two clubs attracted 23 teams of six people each, raising an incredible initial amount of $690.
These teams had unique themes, ranging from “We The People” consisting of the elegant founding fathers, to the vivacious “LaCroix‘s Minions” complete with face paint and costumes.
In the weeks leading up to the Volleyball Tourn-ament, the Interact Club and Varsity Club worked hard to create and spread advertisements as well as interview various teams to generate as much awareness as possible.
Thus, on the night of November 20, over 450 people brimming with enthusiasm visited the high school gymnasium to watch the incredible athletes while raising money for a fellow Highlander in need.
Drinks, snacks, baked goods, and yellow ribbons were provided by various Interact and Varsity Club Members as well as the Apshawa Elementary School staff were sold throughout the evening. All revenue proceeds from the snack stand went to Brinx as well.
A table outside of the entrance to the gym was equipped with a variety of multicolored construction paper and markers so that any and all attendees could write letters for Julian, who was unable to visit.
The matches flowed easily with great excitement due to the excellent gameplay of the athletes and the volunteers who served as referees for the matches.
Before anyone knew it, the finale between The Emotions, with members Julia Sabyan, Ally Gruber, Alexa Fritz, Sienna Franklin, Skylar Locke, Alyssa Kral, and Jason Desverney, and 2000 & Thugs, with members Colby Scott, Daxton Keller, Szymon Krempaski, Julian Pierre, Jesse Araujo, Tyler Meier, and Kyle Gloria, was set.
As the crowd held their breath in anticipation, Keyzer offered to donate $250 if anyone would sing the National Anthem before the final match. To this request, Jess Pritchett sang.
After this powerful moment, The Emotions and 2000 & Thugs faced off. It was a long and intense battle filled with cheers and gasps before The Emotions scored the winning point.
Despite winning the $100 VISA gift card, The Emotions generously chose to donate their earnings back to Julian. Similarly, ‘Naner Nation, decked out in large banana costumes, won Best Dressed and the team was awarded a $75 VISA gift card, but chose to donate it back to Julian.
Reflecting on why ‘Naner Nation chose to enter the competition and give back the money, Jacob Pritchett, a member of the team, explains, “I’ve lost people to cancer and any little thing I can do to help improve someone’s life, count me in. Giving the money back isn’t something massive, but it is one step closer to helping. Whether it’s used for gifts, or food, or treatment costs, any little bit helps.”
This night ended with a great sum of money as Mrs. Scully, Interact Club Adviser, estimates, “I believe it was approximately around $1,500 [towards the promoted GoFundMe] that night. I also know that Marshall Hill School Staff donated $150 cash that night too. Keyser donated through the GoFundMe and we are still in the process of securing the $250 donation from Macopin Student Council. The cash amount raised that night was just under $2,300.”
Thank you to Mrs. Scully and to Mrs. Buongiorno, the eighty-plus members of Interact Club, the fifty-plus members of Varsity Club, the Macopin Student Council, the custodians, all of the volunteers who agreed to help, and the 450+ people who attended. This event, from the turnout to the money and awareness raised that evening, was a truly wonderful display of community.
As Julian bravely declared, “A Brinx never gives up,” and our Highlander community, from this event forward, won’t either, relentlessly raising money and awareness to aid him as much as possible on his journey fighting cancer for the fourth time.
