Two families to be featured this yearJoseph Benavides
News Staff Writer
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| Courtesy photo Kate Arpano, 5, holds her father in a recent family portrait. Kate is one of two Ashburnham children who will be honored during the Ashburnham-Westminster Community Benefit Hockey Game and Road Race on Saturday, April 4. |
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| Courtesy photo Jack McInnis, 9, poses with his parents for a family photo. Jack is one of two Ashburnham children who will be honored during the Ashburnham-Westminster Community Benefit Hockey Game and Road Race on Saturday, April 4. |
For the first time, two families are being honored during the celebration: Ashburnham children Kate Arpano and Jack McInnis.
Tickets are still available at Westminster and Ashburnham businesses.
Both children have brain tumors.
Kate, 5, was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma last August.
Doctors found 9-year-old Jack’s primitive neuroectodermal tumor in October 2013.
“We’re just amazed at how many people have come together for us and for Kate,” said Kate’s mother, Abby Arpano.
“We’re definitely overwhelmed with the support and grateful to be included.” State Trooper Dave Napolitano, one of the organizers for the game, said there will be a parade before the game.
Mr. Napolitano is trying to secure some horses from the state police mounted unit to join the parade.
The hockey game traditionally features pregame events like a magic show, raffles and general merriment.
Mr. Napolitano said 100 percent of profits will be donated to the families.
“The day is amazing,” he said.
“The community has really absorbed the idea and it’s always filled with people.”
Ms. Arpano said the large crowds of people won’t stop Kate from having fun.
“Kate loves a big party, loves people getting together,” Ms. Arpano said.
“She’s very friendly.
She makes friends with someone everywhere she goes, she’s that kind of personality.”
Kate’s father, Mike, said his daughter only wants to connect with the world around her.
Mr. Arpano said some of Kate’s favorite activities including dancing, listening to music, playing with flowers, petting animals and watching magic tricks.
He said he could not wait to see her face when she learns that local magician Eddie Raymond will be at the game performing tricks.
“She giggles uncontrollably after seeing tricks,” Ms. Arpano explained.
Ms. Arpano said the tumor was discovered after Kate showed symptoms that prompted the family to schedule an MRI at Boston Children’s Hospital.
The cancer is intertwined with Kate’s brain stem making an operation impossible.
Kate has instead received radiation and undergone chemotherapy clinical trials.
“She’s a trouper,” Ms. Arpano said.
“She takes four pills in the morning, three after school and more every night.”
Mr. Arpano said Kate’s younger sister, Bella, has been included in almost every doctor visit.
“We do it all together,” he said.
“Kate likes that.”
The other Ashburnham child to be honored in the annual game is Jack McInnis.
Jack said he’s prepared for the parade because he wants to ride in a fire truck since he has already rode in a police car.
Jack’s favorite color is anything neon and he loves to play sports, but basketball and baseball are his absolute favorites.
He said the Red Sox are his favorite team and he enjoys playing as the either the catcher or as an outfielder.
“I play with my friends,” Jack said.
“It’s fun.”
Jack’s mother, Deb, said a routine eye exam in 2013 revealed an abnormal mass that was later diagnosed as a rare form of brain cancer.
Since then, Jack has undergone proton therapy and two rounds of chemotherapy.
“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Jack’s father, Mike.
“(But) Jack never gives up.
He’s a very good (kid).”
Ms. McInnis described her only child as a “rockstar” and a “very warm and loving boy.”
Ms. McInnis said she was humbled when she learned that Jack would be honored this year.
The McInnis family moved to Ashburnham almost 10 years ago, and Ms. McInnis said she never expected to be included in the annual game.
“It’s amazing the people we’ve met.
There are more kind people than you’d expect,” Ms. McInnis said.
“We are so grateful and appreciative beyond words for the incredible outpouring of kindness from the community.”
Oakmont Regional High School Principal David Uminski, who helped organize the event, said one of his favorite parts of the day is seeing more than 800 people come out to support a family.
“There’s a sense of support and strength when you see people filling the (seats),” he said.
The benefit game started 14 years ago when Mr. Napolitano’s wife, Betsy, was undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The day was a success and a second game was held a year later, eventually becoming a town tradition, Mr. Napolitano said.
“We all become a big family,” he said.
“It grew from five people to hundreds.”
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