Buckets for Bravery: Love for Dylan, Opportunity Knocks!

Thursday January 14th - EPHS Gym

Dylan Carreiro is feeling loved. Dylan is the EPHS student/athlete facing cancer with a smile. His battle is tough, however, and many in the city are reaching out to support the Carreiro family. East Providence and its' extended regional family have come together through the years for many good causes. Some help quietly and some celebrated, but always from the collective Townie heart. Previously the community came out in big numbers to help raise funds for Alec Hail, a student who needed a wheelchair conversion van. The vehicle allowed Alec and his family to attend events and places he couldn't previously get to. Upon losing Lauren Zarembka in 2007 after a courageous battle to combat cancer, her family has established a memorial foundation dedicated to providing scholarships for students studying medicine, music/theater and culinary arts and much more. Thousands of dollars were raised for young Scout Lyons who has been battling a brain tumor. School department maintenance employee Carl Sweeney and his family, have established the charitable group named the “Hope and Faith Drive.” For years these volunteers provide food, goods and services for scores of families in need each month. Even young Kai Reed, started an effort years ago when in first grade to get backpacks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bottled water, small blankets, socks, first aid supplies, and other items for homeless families. There have been many others as the list goes on, schools, clubs, businesses, individuals like John Carnevale and Kevin Robinson (K-Rob) have all made major contributions to help those in need.

Once again East Providence is being asked to step up and help someone in need. Dylan Carreiro, a junior at East Providence High School, has been diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Several in EP are trying to help Dylan's family raise money for medical bills. One group working diligently to help young Dylan is the "OpportUNITY Knocks" non-profit charity. "Dylan is a bright, energetic, athletic student who is loved by many," said OpportUNITY Knocks' co-founder Michael Solitro. "His work ethic and desire to compete will help Dylan as he fights this battle. Unfortunately, he cannot do it alone. OpportUNITY Knocks, along with the EPHS Girls Basketball program is making it their personal mission to help with the financial portion of this family's medical bills," offers Solitro. The EP girls basketball game against Mount Hope High on January 14th at EPHS is being dedicated to Dylan and his family. "During a halftime presentation at our game (on January 14th), we will present the Carreiro family with a check to help with Dylan's fight, but we need your help," Solitro asks the community. Solitro is also the Townie's girls' basketball coach and a teacher at Riverside Middle School. He and his group of volunteers have helped needy individuals and families throughout East Providence and Rhode Island.

Solitro directs everyone to check out their Facebook page at Opportunity Knocks, for ways in which to donate to this family. "... and of course, we will accept donations at the game on January 14th," Solitro adds. "The response so far has been truly overwhelming. Dylan is an amazing young man, and knowing that he has all this love and unity, will help his battle that much easier. Thank you everyone from the bottom of our hearts for getting involved. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you, rocking your purple on January 14th," continues Solitro.

Many others are aligning with Solitro's group to help Dylan Carreiro. "Dylan's a great kid who loves spending time with his family," said Dylan's uncle Steven Ribeiro. Ribeiro and other family members are closely doing what they can do for the family. "He takes a lot of pride in growing up a Townie. He knows that everyone on our side of the family were Townies and he used to ask us all sorts of questions of what it was in our high school years. He always wanted to be on the baseball team. Every time you'd see Dylan, he'd always have a great attitude and would respond to anything you asked him, with a smile. He is a very respectful easy going kid who's loved by so many. He absolutely loves the game of baseball," said Ribeiro. Carreiro loves baseball. He has played for AAU and Legion teams, the Mustangs and now is on the EPHS Townie baseball team. The Mustangs and their coach Jim Russo have rallied and have raised money and provided emotional support for their team mate. Some of these players are also on the Townie baseball squad. Townie head coach and teacher Bobby Rodericks and the Townies are solidified in their effort to support Dylan and his family. Area training and fitness center, ATC is also sponsoring the Buckets for Dylan game this month. And so, East Providence residents are being asked to step up and support the Carreiro family as Dylan fights a courageous battle against this disease. Families, individuals, businesses, etc., are asked to come out to the EPHS gymnasium on January 14th, 2016. The Lady Townies will play Mount Hope in a varsity basketball game and a large crowd is hoped for. Solitro hopes for donations before the game so that a check can be awarded at halftime. "We will see everyone on January 14th rocking their purple! (organizers are wearing purple for this cause). Michael Solitro can be contacted at msolitro@epschoolsri.com for further questions or to donate. Festivities will begin around 6 pm.

In a Christmas morning message posted on social media, Dylan writes: "I am so blessed this Christmas! My family and friends who have been truly amazing in being there for us. No words are enough to Thank You all for what you have done for us this Christmas!" Set your calendars, readers. Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the EPHS gymnasium - for Dylan.