March 28, 2024

Buckets for Bravery - Cheers for Dylan! An Emotional Night of Townie Pride

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It wasn't just about the money.

At 1:40 PM near the close of school for East Providence High on Thursday January 14th, Principal Shani Wallace addressed the 1500 or so students and staff. "I have great and wonderful news to share with you. We come together when we are asked to and I'm pleased to announce that we will present Dylan's parents with $3,157. at tonight's game. This is a great message to Dylan. A huge show of support. Thank you for coming through for a fellow Townie," said Wallace over the school's intercom. The school asked everyone to wear purple on Thursday as a show of solidarity for Dylan Carreiro's benefit game to be played later that evening. Students were asked to bring in a dollar. Obviously students and staff did that plus more, as the high school donation pushed the eventual fund to over $30,000.

As the high school dismissed during a light snow shower, it was going to continue as a "good day" for Dylan and his family. The Carreiros were invited to attend shift change at the East Providence Police station. Police officer and Townie Patrick Conaty and others had arranged to collect donations from fellow officers. Dylan and family arrived at 4 PM and were greeted by several police officers. "We wanted to show our support for you Dylan and for your family," said Sergeant Andrew Benoit. "We know you have had a tough situation here and we want you to know we are here for you," as fellow officers applauded. "Your struggle is our struggle and we want to make a donation that hopefully can help along the way," said Benoit. "I don't know what to say to thank you for this," said Dylan's Mom Dawn through tear filled eyes. For his part Dylan smiled and hugged Sergeant Benoit, Conaty and the dozen or so officers present. "Thanks guys," Dylan could muster up.

The Carreiro's next stop was home for a quick respite and then on to the high school for the girl's basketball game. Basketball coach Mike Solittro and his volunteer organization 'Opportunity Knocks' had arranged for a fundraising event to help Dylan's family with expenses which have mounted. The crowd started to arrive at 4:30 PM for the intra-city middle school rivalry game between Martin and Riverside. The large crowd enjoyed a great game in which Riverside pulled away with the victory.

As Dylan and his family arrived (we didn't rest much) the crowd rose and waves of Dylan! Dylan! chants rolled through the gym. The Carreiro entourage filled an entire section of the bleachers which had been reserved for them by high school Athletic Director, Bob Duarte. Dylan was introduced as an honorary team captain and again a thunderous cheer erupted. Before the game Dylan was presented with gifts including a special game basketball and an autographed portrait of Red Sox David Ortiz. Martin Middle School 7th grader Jordan Butler inspired the standing room only crowd with her singing of the National Anthem and the game was on. The crowd was asked to keep standing until EP scored its' first basket, which they did while continually applauding. When the first basket was scored by junior forward Julia Andrade, chants Of Dylan! once again rang throughout. After dazzling back to back scores by senior guard, captain Angie Leonardo made the score 20-6, the Townies never looked back. EP defeated Mt. Hope by a score of 48-27. The lady Townies have been playing great basketball of late and Thursday night was more of the same. The overflow crowd seemed to fire up the team and a festive environment was present for the entire game. Leonardo was the game's leading scorer with 20 points and Shaniah Hazard scored 12 points as EP presented a strong offense and defensive effort.

During halftime students from Sacred Heart school in East Providence played in an exhibition contest as they too raised funds for Dylan. The highlight of the night was also during halftime as coach Mike Solittro made a presentation to Dylan and his family. Gifts were also given to Dylan's younger sister. "Dylan we are proud of you and tonight all of East Providence takes on your challenge against cancer as our challenge," said Solittro. Solittro then presented a check to the Carreiro family for $27,500. A moved Carreiro family wiped away tears and stood and embraced each other and event volunteers. But then EPHS Principal Shani Wallace brought down the house with a check for $3,157, pushing the night's total donation to over $30,000. "Dylan, your school loves and supports you and you are not alone in this battle," said Wallace.

For his part, Dylan said that he "wasn't feeling nervous but was overwhelmed by everything." "He has two months of additional chemo left and then we'll see how he does," said an emotional Dawn Carreiro. "He is hoping to play baseball this year for the Townies." Dylan has been receiving home tutoring this year and wants more than ever to return to school. "I appreciate the one on one teaching but I miss the school and my friends," said Dylan. "I want to get back." And the community wants him back too. Yes, it wasn't just about the money. It was about the love and support and Townie Pride.

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