web1_HR-Neumann-Goretti-4.jpg

Holy Redeemer girls basketball teams falls to Goretti again in states

web1_Johnny-Barbato2017319171216177.jpg

SWB RailRiders pitcher Johnny Barbato preparing for starter role

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Participants in the 12th annual Bowling for the Brave fundraiser on Sunday are hoping to strike out cancer among emergency responders.</p><p>The event, sponsored by Foundation 58, a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to providing assistance to firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel battling cancer, brought out over 200 people to Chacko&#8217;s Family Bowling Center, some with a love for bowling, but all with a commitment to help emergency responders and their families.</p><p>The foundation exists in memory of Gabriel Mhley, a Hazleton city volunteer firefighter with 17 years of service who lost his battle with cancer in 2003 at age 47.</p><p>Mhley, who wore badge number 58, was remembered by many attendees as someone committed to community and to safety.</p><p>His brother Andy Mhley, said he believes Gabe would have been amazed at the turnout and pleased that, in some way, he was able to continue assisting the community.</p><p>John Edstrom, an attendee of the event, was himself a recipient of a grant from the foundation in 2014.</p><p>Edstrom remembers not knowing where funding for his medical treatment would come from.</p><p>&#8220;They helped me get insurance that made that treatment possible,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If it was not for Foundation 58, I don&#8217;t know if I would be here.&#8221;</p><p>Edstrom, who is cancer-free today, said the treatment was extensive and ongoing.</p><p>&#8220;Before it was all over, I not only needed medical treatment, but dental work and other things,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Pharmaceutical costs were in the thousands of dollars.&#8221;</p><p>Keith Mhley, Gabe&#8217;s cousin who founded the organization with Gabe&#8217;s brother Justin shortly after his death, said Sunday&#8217;s event was anticipated to raise over $15,000.</p><p>&#8220;In the last two years, we were able to provide $37,000 in grant money to assist emergency responders battling cancer,&#8221; he said. &#8220;They have used the money for treatment, for transportation, for medication. There are so many needs that accompany cancer treatment.&#8221;</p><p>Mhley referenced the organization&#8217;s webpage which details the experiences of emergency responders with cancer and their gratitude for help they have received from Foundation 58.</p><p>To Edstrom, the support when far beyond the money he received.</p><p>&#8220;I felt like they cared about me,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Their support during that time was so important.&#8221;</p><p>Joel Mumie, a longtime volunteer fire fighter in Hazleton and Hazle Township, said the past week&#8217;s weather events didn&#8217;t influence turnout.</p><p>&#8220;People came from everywhere,&#8221; he said. &#8220;From Allentown, from Scranton. They&#8217;re committed to supporting this effort.&#8221;</p><p>Mumie said he participated in the event throughout its history.</p><p>&#8220;I&#8217;m an avid bowler,&#8221; he said. &#8220;When I found out that we were raising money for such a good cause and I would be able to bowl, it was perfect.&#8221;</p><p><em><ins>For other local news stories, <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/category/local" target="_blank">click here</a>.</ins></em></p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Bowl1_faa.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Danny Mhley sends his bowling ball down the alley during the Sunday fundraiser that benefitted Foundation 58 &#8212; an organization that helps emergency responders with their medical needs. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Bowl1_faa.jpg</photo0><caption0>Danny Mhley sends his bowling ball down the alley during the Sunday fundraiser that benefitted Foundation 58 &#8212; an organization that helps emergency responders with their medical needs. </caption0><photoCredit0>Fred Adams | For Times Leader </photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bowl3_faa-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Dawn Fret react as she watches her bowling ball roll down the alley. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bowl3_faa-1.jpg</photo1><caption1>Dawn Fret react as she watches her bowling ball roll down the alley. </caption1><photoCredit1>Fred Adams | For Times Leader </photoCredit1></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bowl2_faa-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Kim Mhley releases her bowling ball during the 12th Annual Bowling for the Brave event Sunday at Chacko&#8217;s Family Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre, held to raise money for emergency responders with medical needs. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo2>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_bowl2_faa-1.jpg</photo2><caption2>Kim Mhley releases her bowling ball during the 12th Annual Bowling for the Brave event Sunday at Chacko&#8217;s Family Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre, held to raise money for emergency responders with medical needs. </caption2><photoCredit2>Fred Adams | For Times Leader </photoCredit2></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>For Times Leader</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Bowling for the Brave aims to help emergency responders with medical crises