Students help child in need

Students from a service group at Weathersfield School in Ascutney are on a mission to help a young boy with a devastating illness enjoy the simple gift of life.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20121119/NEWS01/711199894

Students help child in need By Courtney Parker Correspondent | November 19,2012 Rutland Herald Students from a service group at Weathersfield School in Ascutney are on a mission to help a young boy with a devastating illness enjoy the simple gift of life. Four-year-old Cole Rapini of Springfield has been battling an undiagnosed disease since he was one-month-old. The condition has caused vision and hearing loss, as well as frequent seizures and severe developmental delays. Though doctors predict the illness will shorten his lifespan, Cole and the Rapini family are focusing on living life to the fullest and making everyday a special one for Cole. Parents Hanna and Christopher Rapini have created a list of things they would like to do during their time with Cole, which has become known as Cole’s bucket list. “It’s a way to focus on the positive things,” said Hanna Rapini, adding that making memories and enjoying the time they have with their son is most important to them. Cole’s bucket list includes everyday life experiences that some might take for granted; but for Cole, these moments are priceless, Hanna Rapini said. “They are small and simple things. But very special.” Having ice cream for breakfast, flying a kite, riding in a monster truck and having a slumber party are just some of the items on the list they hope to complete. The Weathersfield Service Group, which is made up of 30 volunteer students from grades five through eight, has made it a priority to help Cole accomplish tasks on his bucket list by holding fundraising events and selling “Cole’s Cause” bracelets. Cole was able to cross off going to a dance after attending the service group’s Halloween dance, where he dressed up as a pilot with his wheelchair decorated as a helicopter. He’ll check baking cookies off his list too at the group’s upcoming bake sale. “He is very special to us,” said group advisor Deb Gurney, adding that the students have grown very fond of Cole during their time working with him. Gurney believes that the service group shows students the importance of volunteering while also being a fun experience for all. Fifth grade Weathersfield teacher Cathleen Karaffa is proud to see her students’ commitment and dedication to volunteering and the hard work they have put into supporting Cole’s cause. “They are excited to be helping him,” she said. “They love to give back.” All proceeds from the group’s fundraising efforts go directly to the Rapini family to help with expenses for Cole. The group has “adopted” Cole as one of their own and hopes to continue raising money to help him fulfill his list. “It’s really fun working with him,” said seventh-grader Christopher Gurney, one of the service group members. He has been part of the Weathersfield Service Group for the past two years and looks forward to any time he and the group get to spend with Cole. “I like helping out and supporting people who are in need,” he said, adding that volunteering is something that is very important to him. “Everyone who is in need should be helped.” To make a donation to Cole, visit www.colescause.com or support the family by joining their facebook page by searching “Cole Rapini’s Cause.”