ODU Fraternity Joins Charity to Build Play Set for Local Child with Cancer

The Old Dominion University chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and children's cancer charity Roc Solid Foundation are joining forces to build a custom play set for Alona Perry of Norfolk, an 8-year-old with kidney cancer.

Construction of the new play set will take place from 5:45 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 23, in ODU's Lot 6, located adjacent to Foreman Field off Bluestone Avenue. On Saturday morning, March 24, the specially designed play set will be moved to the Perry family home, completing its transformation into the tangible manifestation of a dream to help a sick child. The presentation of the new play set to Alona and her family will take place at noon on Saturday.

Roc Solid Foundation's "Play It Forward" program constructs custom play sets for children undergoing the debilitating treatment of pediatric cancers. The program addresses the dilemma of visiting public playgrounds where the environment may be unsuitable for children weakened by cancer treatments and compromised immune systems. By donating their time and effort, volunteers for the "Play It Forward" program give these children the opportunity to enjoy the same therapeutic benefits of playing at a park, but only mere steps from their homes.

ODU students have established a new organization on campus, the Roc Solid Club, which will host fundraising and educational events to help further the goal of giving young cancer victims the ability to enjoy a simple pleasure many take for granted: the ability to play outside.

For more information about the Roc Solid Foundation, visit http://www.rocsolidfoundation.org/index.php.