This past Saturday, June 18, residents of a neighborhood close to you showed their true colors in honor of Harborfields ‘20 graduate, Corey Phelan.
The 19-year-old pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies organization has made national headlines in recent weeks. He has been receiving chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer, in April.
After paying a visit to the big league club on Saturday, May 28 to give them a morale boost, a most heartwarming result occurred: an unending storm of thoughts, prayers and love sent Corey and the Phelan family’s way, and on the biggest stage possible.
“Every minute of the day I think about the time when I can step back on the mound,” Phelan memorably told The Messenger from his hospital bedside a few weeks ago. As pictured, Phelan’s powerful words of determination were amongst the art displayed in his honor at the Harborfields High School-hosted Community Walk this weekend. The event took place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Proceeds were exclusively committed toward the Phelan’s expenses during this plight.
“Today was a beautiful day to send strength and love to the Phelan family, whose son Corey is in a fierce battle right now with an aggressive cancer diagnosis,” said Lisa Gangemi Kropp, a family friend who attended the walk. “Harborfields kicked butt this morning and we are SO THANKFUL to everyone that donated and walked.”
Christie Phelan, Corey’s mother, was also in attendance while husband Chris stayed by Corey’s side in the city through continued rounds of treatment. Corey’s parents are overwhelmed with the amount of attention they have received.
“We just want to thank everyone who is keeping Corey in their prayers,” said Chris.
The “Pitch In For Corey” golf outing fundraiser will take place at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington on Friday, August 5. For reservations or raffle and donation inquiries, contact Jeanine Phelan at jmp1997@gmail.com.
“Corey is a strong dude and he will get through this,” said fellow Suffolk-raised Phillie farmhand and southpaw, Nick Fanti, of Hauppauge.
As always, we at The Messenger send Corey and his family the best of wishes and prayers.
