Professor Diana Schwartz, D.P.E., and her students in the Movement Science 331 Sports & Exercise Psychology course received the Jack & Linda Kelleher Silent Hero Award from Griffin’s Friends at its annual banquet on May 18.
Griffin’s Friends is a local nonprofit for children undergoing cancer treatment and ongoing care at Baystate Children’s Hospital. Its mission is to bring moments of joy to courageous kids.
Named in honor of beloved health care providers who served at Baystate Medical Center, the Silent Hero Award is given annually to those who go above and beyond to help. Dr. Schwartz and the members of her course exceeded expectations through their involvement. They raised more than $1,000 by hosting four separate fundraisers: T-shirt sales, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, “Cold Stone kick back night,” and a donation table at Wal-mart.
The group also hosted a movie and games event on campus for the kids undergoing treatment and their families and volunteered at Griffin’s Friends events. Lastly, they volunteered at the Boston Marathon, where they set up tents, grills, and activities at Mile 23. There, the kids and their families cheered on the runners and the Westfield State students danced, laughed, and provided tremendous energy and support.