New York’s Staten Island. Even the youngest members of the school community can exhibit outstanding leadership and acts of generosity at P.S. 23, The Richmondtown School.
Inspired by a family member who had done the same, third-graders Alexandria Khan and Hana Ezziddin opened a bracelet stand in their community in the spring of 2024.
Between nine and ten months, the two girls raised about $185. Alexandria and Hana had a much greater plan than to spend the money on themselves.
The two friends decided to give up their hard-earned money over the 2024 winter break in order to support Zhenxuan Li, a second-grader at P.S. 23, who was just told that she had osteosarcoma, a rare and dangerous type of bone cancer.
Hana stated, “Ally and I wanted to donate the money, but at first we weren’t sure who to give it to.” We made the decision to assist Zhenxuan and his family in covering the cost of the medication he needs to recover from cancer after learning about him. The fact that a second grader has cancer truly disturbed me. I felt really good about helping a fellow kid at our school. It is my sincere desire that the money will make him feel better.
Recognizing the difficulties Zhenxuan’s family was facing, Alexandria and Hana worked with the PTA and the school community to raise more money for his urgent medical care. They even sent a sincere letter to the school pleading for help.
Giving to the less fortunate has always been a dream of mine, Alexandria remarked. At first, I assumed we would make a donation to a shelter or something like. After learning about Zhenxuan, we concluded that it would be preferable to assist one of our own. We therefore requested their assistance in a letter to our principal and assistant principal.
Alexandria and Hana’s generosity touched the hearts of the school community because it embodies the principles that P.S. 23 teaches.
According to Principal Paul Proscia, a principal is always searching for proof that the lessons they are teaching are having an impact. The strongest proof of this is when kids as young as 8 or 9 decide to assist another pupil. It demonstrates that there are chances to shine a light and assist others when there is darkness. Hana and Alexandria have done just that. Their presence will be a blessing to the world, and I am incredibly proud of them.
Ways to show your support
Contributions to Zhenxuan and his family’s GoFundMe projects are one way that people can support them.
In order to support second-grader Zhenxuan Li in her fight against osteosarcoma, P.S. 23 pupils Alexandria Khan and Hana Ezziddin donate bracelet stand revenue. (Image courtesy of Richmondtown School, P.S. 23.)23 Public Schools The School in Richmondtown
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