Airmen use hardships to help others

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - --  Two D-M Airmen hosted a Go Gold event, August 16, 2013, to give back to something that has changed their lives.

Airman 1st Class Lorenzo Kates, 41st Electronic Combat Squadron knowledge operations manager, and A1C Rocio Pattarroyo, 355th Communications Squadron knowledge operations manager, set up a booth to help raise funds for those affected by cancer.

The two Airmen raised over $1000 for the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

When the Airmen decided they wanted to help a cause, they did some research and found something they could both relate to, kids and cancer.

Pattarroyo has a nephew who was diagnosed blind at only four months old, while Kates recently lost his aunt to cancer and had a friend diagnosed with the disease.

They wanted to host a fundraiser to give back to the community and help relieve the pain of losing a loved one.

"When my nephew was diagnosed blind, there were organizations that we received help through," said Pattarroyo. "This is only a small part, but it gives back to other children who need the help."

Kates found that this event was a positive way to cope with the impact of cancer in his life.

"Holding this fundraiser gave me a way to cope," Kates said. "In the back of my mind, I know I have done something positive to help someone else who has gone through the same thing. Maybe we can spare them the pain of losing a loved one."

During the event, Kates and Pattarroyo realized many people are affected by cancer, even though they are not the ones diagnosed with it.

"We got to hear a lot of stories," Kates said. "Most people who donated related to the cause. One lady told me about how she has lost two daughters to cancer and another is currently fighting it."

Kates and Pattarroyo plan on hosting more events like this in the future and are willing to provide assistance to other Airmen who would like guidance with setting up similar events.