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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer WEST SPRINGFIELD The "It's all about Josh" on Sept. 16 was largely attended by members of the public who came out to show their support for Joshua Pedro a three and a half year old from Westfield who suffers from a rare tumor of the hypothalamus. A $10 fee gained one admittance to the benefit and proceeds went to Josh and his parents, Mike and Janine, to fly to Arizona for surgery. "A newly developed surgery could lead to a bright future for Joshua," members of the "It's all about Josh" Benefit Committee said. Josh was medically approved for a surgery to take place in Arizona this fall after an intra-operative M.R.I. has been installed. The family will live in Arizona during the surgery and insurance does not cover the extent of the procedure. Friends, family and neighbors came together upon hearing about Josh's condition and formed a committe and benefit with the purpose of easing the "financial strain" on the family. The benefit offered food; a bounce house; the amusements of "WingNut", "Cheer-up" and "Bicycle" of the Shriners clowns and a demonstration from the West Springfield (WS) Police Department. Officers Pomeroy, Gearing and Price of the WS Department with the help of "Bosco" from the K-9 unit put on a safety demonstration for viewers of all ages. "I think it worked out well there are a lot of people here to support him [Josh] and it was good that they did it for kids," Cathy Grady, a volunteer for the benefit said to Reminder Publications. More information can be obtained about Joshua, his family and the Committee by contacting Allison Gearing of the Committee at 562-2662. |