Title
Proclamation recognizing Zack Abel for battling cancer and giving back to the community by establishing an annual 5-mile Make-A-Move Race benefitting the children of Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2005, 5 year-old Zack Abel, of Franklin Park, battled a rare form of cancer undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatments and daily radiation. Two weeks after receiving his wish from Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Inc., his cancer went into remission; and
WHEREAS, a 7-foot, 100-pound fiberglass Tyrannosaurus Rex statue, who Zack named “Meaty” now resides in his backyard. Zack credits Make-A-Wish® and Meaty with helping him recover and redirecting his life; and
WHEREAS, since his battle with cancer, Zack has raised nearly $120,000 for Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia through an annual 5-mile race. Zack’s fourth annual Make-A-Move race will take place on July 26, 2015 at North Park; and
WHEREAS, Zack is the top fundraiser among school-age children, and to date, his fundraising efforts have provided 30 wishes for sick children in our region;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize Zack Abel for his courage and bravery in the fight against cancer, and we thank him for his contributions benefitting the children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities served by Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Inc.