Steven Balderas – Celebration of
Life
Steven
Balderas was only 11 years old when a drunk driver ended his life. Even before
his tragic death, Steven bravely faced challenges that other kids never have to
deal with. The oldest of five children, Steven was diagnosed with hemophilia, a
rare disease which prevents blood from clotting. Although his life was
complicated by his illness, Steven a good brother, a great friend, and a
beloved student at Oak Hammock K-8. His light shone brightly, but was
extinguished far too soon. Steven will be missed.
In
addition to exorbitant health care and hospital expenses related to Steven’s
illness and tragic death, the Balderas family is having a difficult time
covering his funeral and burial expenses. Wednesday, September 7th,
Steven’s teachers from Oak Hammock and the Van Duzer Foundation will be
partnering to host a celebration of Steven Balderas’ life. From 3 p.m. to 10
p.m., one hundred percent of all sales at Big Apple Pizza, Fort
Pierce, 2311 S. 35th Street, (right across from IRSC), will be
donated to the
Balderas family to help cover Steven’s funeral and expenses. That
includes all food and beverage sales, all staff salaries, and tips. There will
be door prizes, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing, plus entertainment, bounce houses
from Chuck and Lori Entertainment, and a chance to help a member of our
community. The evening will be fun for the entire family, and it’s an easy way
to help share a little love with a family going through a really tough time.
Florida’s Blood Centers will be on hand accepting donations of blood, too, so
if things are tight and you still want to share, why not consider sharing the
gift of life in honor of Steven Balderas and others whose lives depend upon the
gift of your blood?
Formed
three years ago, the all-volunteer Van Duzer Foundation has raised more than $400,000
to help individuals and families in St. Lucie County who are struggling with
financial and personal hardship brought about by unforeseen crisis or tragedy.
Recently, the foundation hosted One Day to Give, a 24 hour food drive which
garnered 116,922 pounds of food for distribution through Mustard Seed
Ministries and the Treasure Coast Food Bank. To learn more about Van Duzer
Foundation, please visit the organization’s web site at www.thevanduzerfoundation.org.
