metro

Charity Garage Sale

Young cancer survivor raises funds for Kids Kicking Cancer.

Josh EI'Chonen

JN Intern

D

aniel Richmond, 7, held a char-
ity garage sale to raise money for
Kids Kicking Cancer at Berkley's
Community Center Craft Show Saturday,
Oct. 25. Prior to the event, Daniel, with the
help and encouragement of his parents,
Steve and Jodi Richmond, raised $1,600 in
donations.
The Richmonds live in Berkley and are
members of Temple Shir Shalom in West
Bloomfield. Daniel is a second-grader at
Angell Elementary.
The Richmonds adopted Daniel two
days before his adoption agency closed in
Guatemala.
"We have been very fortunate, after bring-
ing him home from Guatemala, to help give
him a better life his father said. "But he has
given Jody and me better lives as well. He
has made us a family"
Daniel was diagnosed with retinoblas-
toma on April 27, 2009, a rare type of eye
cancer mostly found in young children. He
underwent chemotherapy and, ultimately,
the cancer cost him an eye. Today he cel-
ebrates five years being cancer-free.
Daniel's illness caused him to grow up a
lot faster than most kids. He started talking
at age 2 and has a high IQ.
Several months ago, Daniel told his father

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that he wanted to donate to Kids Kicking
Cancer. A few weeks later, Daniel asked
again, and his father decided to make it into
a special project.
Young cancer patients have found comfort
and inner strength, as Daniel did, from the
successful nonprofit based in Southfield
called Kids Kicking Cancer.
Through martial arts therapy, KKC
teaches kids how to gain a sense of control,
breathe and relax despite the chaos in their
lives.
"We are so proud of Daniel; Steve said.
"In his seven years, he has overcome so
much and accomplished so much. It is very
meaningful to us that he has learned the
importance of helping others for the com-
mon good and the concept of charity."
A flyer for the charity garage sale was sent
via email and posted in local synagogues.
Friends and family donated many items
for Daniel's charity, such as children's toys,
handmade jewelry, pottery, collectible movie
posters and artwork.
"We raised $950 at the garage sale, and
over $2,700, to date, has been collected,"
Steve said. "A few more donations are still
coming in."
Daniel has received much praise for his
volunteer activism. Right before the event,
he received a special call.
"I am sure your parents are as proud
as we all are of your efforts," said Berkley

The Richmond family: Steve, Daniel and Jodi.

Mayor Phil O'Dwyer. "I hope you raise a lot
of money for Kids Kicking Cancer."
Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg, the director
and founder of Kids Kicking Cancer, said
when he heard what Daniel wanted to do
he was deeply touched and appreciated his
efforts.
"Daniel has grown so determined and
has learned to use his inner power of light
against adversity:' Goldberg said. "Like

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many others who have been a part of the
program, Daniel wants to give back, and we
are extremely proud of him."
Currently, Goldberg is nominated as one
of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of the Year. You
can vote until Sunday, Nov. 16, for him to
win at heroes.cnn.com .
The winner receives $100,000 for his
or her charity and will be announced on
Sunday, Dec. 7.

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