story & photo
by Christopher Annino
Many children at the age of five are preoccupied with playing games and watching cartoons. But several weeks ago, five-year-old New London resident Chase McGrath displayed a tremendous unselfish act. Chase held a bike fundraiser to raise money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The bikers consisted mainly of his friends and young adults.
He managed to raise almost $500 for the cause, and was able to spread awareness amongst his classmates, his neighbors and family. Chase was inspired by a commercial for what St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital’s does for less fortunate children. “As soon as he witnessed the commercial, he ran up to me and said, ‘Mom, those kids need help, I would like to do something for them,’” said Heather McGrath, Chase’s mother. Both of Chase’s parents, Heather and Jason, supported him with this event and are very proud of him.
Former President Harry S. Truman once said, “The best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.” Another valuable quote by a famous individual that would best summarize what this young man was able to accomplish was by French scientist Louis Pasteur, “When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments: tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become.”
When asked who inspires him, Chase said, “I look up to my parents because they taught me right from wrong. I also look up to Superman, Spiderman, and Batman because they defend people who need help.” For more information on the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and how you can help visit www.stjude.org.
