Letter to the Editor - March 28, 2007

Editor:

Kelly Moravec’s final wish was to see other young people like himself, who are afflicted with serious, perhaps life-threatening illnesses, prosper in their life dreams, goals and academic progress.

Kelly believed that his academic goals in pursuit of his career aspirations in aeronautical engineering and computer science and close bonds with family and friends were strong influences on the dignity and valor with which he conducted his nearly 20 years of life.

His doctors concur that individual success is dramatically improved when young people like Kelly have a reason to fight. Academic and career dreams and pursuits are powerful, positive motivators.

At the very end, Kelly knew that he would be in the 25 percent of pediatric cancer patients who would not survive, but his lasting legacy will be to assist other young people with their life dreams and goals in hopes that they will be in the 75 percent that do survive and will carry on where Kelly could not.

The first scholarship to be awarded in Kelly Moravec’s name is scheduled for the spring of 2007.

In Kelly’s memory, the Moravec family and friends request in lieu of flowers, sympathy cards or gifts, that contributions be made in the name of the “Kelly Moravec Memorial Donation.”

Please make checks out to “The Alyssa Araiza Wings of Angel Organization,” a non-profit group currently handling the memorial donations.

Mail donations to: Donna Araiza, Director, “Wings of Angels” Organization, 6907 Weeks Road, Redding, Calif. 96002. The organization may be contacted at 378-2373.

Your contribution will serve as seed money to establish the “Kelly Moravec Foundation for Academic Encouragement,” dedicated to advancing the academic and career goals and dreams of young people afflicted with serious illness through financial assistance for tutoring, educational tools and materials, and educational field trips, as well as financial scholarships and incentives for goal-setting and achievement.

Thank you for your consideration and support.



On behalf of Rex and Becky Moravec

In memory of their son Kelly

Sincerely,

Greg Mann, Happy Valley