Meet The Charity: William's Warriors Of LI Helps Children Fighting Cancer

BLUE POINT, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.

Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.

Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.

What is your name?

Margaret Schultz

What is the name of your charity?

William's Warriors

What is your position within your charity?

Executive Director

What community is your organization based in?

Blue Point

Link to your website

WilliamsWarriors.org

What is your mission?

The Foundation has a two-part mission:

The first is to fund pediatric brain cancer. William’s Warriors supports Dr. Robert Wechsler-Reya’s research on medulloblastoma/pediatric brain cancer as he works to translate his scientific discoveries into therapies that can improve the lives of children with cancer.

The second is to improve the quality of life for all children undergoing cancer treatment. We supply CCMC, Stony Brook Children's Hospital and NYU Winthrop with arts and crafts supplies all year long as well as provide first-time admission Creative Care Kits for children facing their first inpatient treatment. In addition, we send free Creative Care Kits upon request to children.

What does your charity do to further its mission?

William's Warriors is in contact with our local hospitals all year long fulfilling requests for art materials. We provide Creative Care Kits for newly admitted patients. We partner with schools and local organizations to run events such as school art supply drives, participate in the SRC 10 Mile Run to the Blue Point Brewery, and Johnny Mac Fun day.

Finally, WW hosts a much loved and celebrated event in September called William's Chalk the Walk.

This is a well-attended event on Long Island, NY, at the Blue Point Nature Preserve with over 500 participants. Participants create 4' x 4' chalk works of art along the path at the preserve. It is a day of art, music, raffles, awards, and fun.

What inspired you to start your charity?

William's Warriors (IRS identification number 82-3254490) is a nonprofit that was created in memory of William Schultz, a 7-year-old boy (our son) who died from complications related to brain cancer treatment.

How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events?

William's Chalk the Walk is made possible by, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants. We would welcome help on any of those levels. You can also create your own fundraiser or supply drive.

Please contact us by email: [email protected].

What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?

Seeing people rally together for children undergoing cancer. Children being treated for cancer are by necessity isolated and often unseen. Having people "see" them and recognize the reality that these children and their families are facing has been moving. Most importantly, the smiles on the faces of the children we help is truly priceless.

What else would you like people to know about your charity?

Childhood cancer is underfunded. There are so many wonderful pediatric cancer charities and they are all needed to help fill the gap. Our foundation works to use art to help with quality of life and expression for pediatric cancer patients. Our charity is 100 percent volunteer run and all proceeds are used to help children and fund research.

What are your organization's social media pages or handles?

Facebook: William's Warriors. Instagram @williamswarriorsvscancer

Do you help run a charity?

Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.