On Aug. 17, members of the Johnston Memorial Cancer Events organization presented Hasbro Children's Hospital hematology/oncology department with a check for $16,000, by combining two very successful fundraisers held earlier this year.

The JMCE's May 21 golf tournament, along with the June 25 Campfires for Cancer event, combined to provide the much-needed funding to the local cancer treatment program.

Committee member Linda LaFazia explained that some of the money will start a bead program for young cancer patients at Hasbro.

"For [each] radiation and chemotherapy [treatment] the kids receive, they get a bead," LaFazia said. "The rest of the funds [will] go to the hematology/oncology unit."

Hasbro Clinical Social Worker Rachel Rogovin explained the bead program is all over the country, and that the JMCE sponsorship will establish Rhode Island's first-ever program.

In September, Hasbro is scheduled to open a new section of the oncology unit and formally recognize JMCE as a sponsor of the new room with a plaque honoring the group's work.

Committee member Michael Mazzulla explained the idea for the JMCE was started by Johnston residents Linda and Vin LaFazia in memory of Anna Mazzulla, Sal Gelsomino, and Laura DeAngelis, all Johnston residents who lost battles with cancer.

In addition to raising funds for JMCE, the LaFazia family is also chairing an Operation Stand Down Golf Tournament at Connecticut National Golf Club on Sept. 10, to ensure veterans don't go homeless.

For information on the Operation Stand Down golf tournament, call Linda LaFazia at (401) 233-2564 or visit the OSDRI website.