Aghelos Kouvaras, 6-Year-Old Cancer Patient, Raises Money To Save Penguins
Aghelos Kouvaras was diagnosed with cancer last September.
While in the hospital receiving treatment for a tumor in his abdomen, the Long Island 6-year-old read several books about penguins and the environmental threats they face. He told his mom, Elizabeth Kouvaras, he wanted to help save the waddling creatures.
“In the hospital, I asked Aggie if he had a wish; if there was anything he wanted,” Elizabeth Kouvaras said in a news release. “He didn’t want an X-Box or a Playstation. He said he wanted to save penguins. What are we going to do without animals? he asked. If they die, we will all die.”
Kouvaras and nearly eighty other members of "Team Aghelos" decided to join the Run for the Wild this Saturday at the Bronx Zoo. The 5K race is dedicated to helping save penguins.
Kouvaras and his supporters collected more than $3,000 through bake sales and other fundraisers. They hope to bring in even more before the run.
The news release mentions changing climate, overfishing, and habitat loss as potential threats to penguin populations. Twelve species could face extinction within this century.
To make a donation to Team Aghelos, go here.
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The Huffington Post Simon McCormack First Posted: 04/25/11 02:49 PM ET Updated: 06/25/11 06:12 AM ET