By Rebecca Steck M.S.ED
A few weeks ago I was approached by one of our Greenwich Catholic 5th grade students, Avery Brew. Avery was sent to the office to speak with me after encouragement by her teacher, Mrs. Fallon, to discuss her desire to help local Greenwich student Sam Buck. Avery explained to me that Sam is an 11-year-old Glenville School student who is suffering from Vanishing White Matter Disease. She learned of his story from her mother and wanted to know if we could hold a mismatched day here at GCS.
The mismatched day, traditionally held on April 28th each year at Greenwich Public Schools, is held in an effort to support The Vanishing White Matter Families Foundation which supports children and families who need help covering medical expenses that insurance does not cover. Sam Buck’s parents are the founders of the foundation which is the only nonprofit of its kind.
On April 28th, with Avery and the Greenwich Catholic 5th grade class as our leaders, our students from PreK to 8th grade supported their Greenwich neighbor by coming to school with different shoes, hairstyles, and clothing patterns. In just one day, the children of GCS raised over $2,000 for Sam and the VSM Families Foundation.
When I asked Avery why she wanted to support Sam and the foundation she said, “Because it’s the right thing to do”. Sam and Avery have never met, nor did that matter to Avery, as she just wanted to help.
Greenwich Catholic is happy to support Sam, our neighbor, and all of the other children overcoming VSM disease. We are inspired by Sam’s courage and by Avery’s kindness toward her neighbor.
