Keith Valley Challenge helps grant wishes to children

Students raised more than $12,000 for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley.

The Keith Valley Challenge is all about giving back. Each year, the eighth graders at Keith Valley Middle School compete in a floor hockey marathon to raise money for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. Students play for kids who have critical illnesses and raised $12,162 to grant more wishes for children in the area.

The Keith Valley Challenge began in 1977 in memory of eighth grade student Billy Whitehead who passed away from a rare congenital heart disease. Because the Philadelphia Flyers was his favorite sports team, Whitehead’s friends approached Keith Valley’s principal at the time to hold a sponsored floor hockey marathon, and the Keith Valley Challenge was born. “It was students coming to the aid in memory of another student, and that has been the theme of the Keith Valley Challenge since it started 49 years ago,” said Principal Jon Kircher.

To date, the event has raised more than $1.1 million. During the kick-off assembly, students heard from one of their own, an eighth grade Keith Valley student and wish kid alumna, Eunice Chung. Chung was born with a rare syndrome that only one in 70,000 babies are born. Alagille syndrome, which affected her heart, lung and kidneys, caused Chung to need a liver transplant at three years old. Afterward, she was diagnosed with Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) and needed chemotherapy treatment for six months.

After a chemotherapy session one day, she was told she was getting a wish, and chose to go to Disney World, where she stayed at the Make-A-Wish Village with her family. “I’m very thankful for the Make-A-Wish Foundation granting me a wish, so I encourage you to make a donation to them if you can,” said Chung.

While she had a lot of fun at Disney World, she says that most importantly, she learned a big life lesson. “Staying strong and keeping a positive mindset truly goes far in overcoming any obstacles,” said Chung.

Students also heard from Derrick Goodenow, CFP, co-chair of the Young Professionals Board for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley, who shared his story as a wish kid, as well as Superintendent Scott Eveslage and State Representative Melissa Cerrato.

After the assembly, students were bussed to Hatboro-Horsham High School to play hours of floor hockey, kickball, volleyball, tennis baseball, and various indoor and outdoor games.