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Date: 4/9/2015
LONGMEADOW – For one local couple who lost their son to cancer, the hope of helping others in their son’s name thrives through “challenge” events.
The Sean M. Allen Courage and Hope Challenge was created by Lindy and Nick Allen in memory of their son, Sean, who lived with cerebral palsy and in his last year of life, esophageal cancer. Sean Allen passed away at the age of 27 in 2011.
During a recent interview with Reminder Publications, Lindy Allen noted that the “greatest joy” she receives is her ability to keep her son’s memory alive. Equally important is that 100 percent of the proceeds raised during the challenge and other fundraiser endeavors benefits area residents with disabilities.
“Through the Sean M. Allen Courage and Hope Challenge we are making a difference and bringing smiles to people who just happen to have a disability,” she said, adding, “It’s an unbelievable feeling and it brings tears to my eyes and smiles to my face.”
In 2014, one of the beneficiaries of funds was Sean Hartigan, son of Dana Hartigan of Longmeadow. Sean, 14, who attends the Gengras Center, has muscular dystrophy and is confined to a wheelchair. When the Allens heard of Sean’s love of being outdoors and would like a swing to sit in, they quickly went to work to make his dream come true.
The Allens contacted Frank and Jacqueline Rondoletto of Structural Concepts in Agawam to see if a special swing set could be created for Sean.
“Frank built two A-frames and a post across the top and put in eye hooks to hang the swing,” said Allen. “The couple donated the materials for the frame and Frank donated his expertise.”
When Sean first saw his swing, he was “really excited,” according to Dana Hartigan.
“As soon as he got in the swing he was laughing and humming,” she said, adding, “There is no sweeter sound to me than Sean being happy.”
Hartigan noted that the swing gave Sean a chance “to do something fun and physical outside,” especially since her backyard is not handicapped accessible.
“Lindy and Nick, through the Sean Allen Challenge, have really made a difference in Sean’s quality of life, and I’d love other kids like Sean to benefit from working with them,” said Hartigan.
Allen added that funds over the past few months have also paid for a wheelchair for a young woman in Rhinebeck, N.Y., and two $2,500 scholarships to students who either have a disability or are majoring in a disability related field at college.
In addition to a proposed walk/run in September at Springfield College, the couple will host a benefit concert featuring soloist David Tinervia and accompanied by Klaus Becker at St. Mary’s Church in town in late May.
Allen noted that other fundraising ideas being formalized at press time include a cookie sale with Luann’s Bakery in Ellington, CT, which will feature a Reese’s peanut butter cup cookie in honor of their son.
For more information on all events, visit www.seanallenchallenge.org.
“We are proud that our nonprofit is all volunteer and 100 percent of the donations raised are assisting individuals with disabilities to make a difference in their lives,” said Allen.