To honor the strength and courage of a classmate’s battle with neurofibromatosis, Levittown’s Division Avenue High School designated Nov. 1 as Bailey Gribben Day. In honor of this occasion, the junior and senior classes, student council and Cooking Club organized fundraisers, while the Quarterback Club contributed Snack Shack proceeds from the Friday night game to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, an organization which takes a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of those affected with NF. The highlight of the evening came during the halftime festivities, when Bailey was presented with an honorary game jersey on behalf of the Division Avenue High School football team.
“Through his bravery and determination, Bailey has proven to be an inspiration to the Division Avenue High School and entire Levittown community,” said Principal Joan Lorelli.
Neurofibromatosis is an illness characterized by a set of distinct genetic disorders that cause the growth of tumors along various nerve types. The disease can also cause the enlargement and deformation of bones, curvature of the spine, and the growth of tumors on the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord. Fifty percent of patients with NF also display learning disabilities.
High school junior and student council member Bailey Gribben is the national ambassador for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and has been honored as an NF Hero and a member of the 2013 Racing4Research team, taking him to the Rolex 24 Race in Daytona, Fla. last year. Bailey devotes much of his time to the Children’s Tumor Foundation and, through his fundraising efforts, has raised over $25,000 for the foundation and NF research over the past several years.
