Maria Rovers remembers being in UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, watching her son Sean fighting for his life.
“I was hesitating if I’d buy food for myself because my husband lost his job at that time,” Maria, a mother of four sons, said. “And then Sean’s social worker came in and gave me money and told me to go get something to eat.
“Somebody’s kindness to me on that day made a long-lasting impact in my life,” the Bethel Park resident continued, “and I’m happy to be returning the favor by paying it forward to help other families who are currently walking in the shoes that I was similarly walking in when Sean was fighting cancer.”
Sean was diagnosed in 2017 at age 9 with a rare brain tumor, a type of CNS sarcoma called intracranial myxoid mesenchymal. He had his first brain tumor resection that Oct. 24. The tumor recurred, requiring a second surgery and radiation.
Through all of his medical procedures, Sean continued to smile.
He and his mother decided to bring smiles to other families by creating Smiles From Sean, an organization that focuses on brightening the faces of children with medical issues.
Every year, they reach out through an Easter Basket Project, filling colorful baskets with toys, gift cards and love. They also host a coin drive each May to raise money for the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The concept is based on the idea that every penny counts.
Since 2019 — there was no coin drive in 2020 because of the pandemic — they’ve raised in total more than $25,000.
This year’s check presentation was Aug. 12 at the hospital in Lawrenceville.
“It’s rare to encounter a family that has confronted brain cancer with such positivity and a commitment to helping others,” said Dr. James Felker, assistant professor of the pediatric neuro-oncology program at UPMC Children’s. “Sean and his family have consistently sought to support other families who have gone through similar experiences, and we are extremely grateful for their assistance.”
The idea for the coin drive came from Kenny Patterson, principal of Neil Armstrong Middle School at the time, and Maria Rovers. Helping count those coins was Tracy Barzan, along with her son Jack, who will be a junior with Sean when school starts Aug. 29.
“It’s a journey we have been on with Sean,” Barzan said. “You can’t put a price on what this money does for these families.”
She found out firsthand when Jack needed an operation at Children’s Hospital, and she was given a food voucher.
“It gave me the perspective of being in the hospital with your child,” she said. “I was talking with one of Jack’s nurses who had donated toys for the Easter basket fundraiser. It is an amazing feeling to help others and teach our children to be involved in organizations such as Smiles From Sean. It is an invaluable lesson in compassion and charity.”
Bethel Park Independence Middle School teacher Sharilyn Oravetz invited Sean to talk to her students during lunch. Oravetz worked with the National Junior Honor Society of seventh and eighth graders to help watch the money, for which they received volunteer hours. One of the students came up with the idea to pie a teacher in the face, using shaving cream in a tin for anyone who donated $5.
The day of the check presentation, Neil Armstrong teacher Jackie Besser’s daughter Ellie was in the hospital for surgery. Besser left her daughter’s room for a few minutes to attend the presentation.
“Sean holds such a special place in my heart,” Besser said. “He and I have had many conversations about never giving up.”
It is Sean’s never-give-up attitude that everyone notices.
“It felt good to be able to help other kids going through medical treatment because I was once in their shoes, and the help we received from others made a difference in my life and my family’s life,” said Sean, 16. “People who I don’t even know put smiles on my face while I was fighting for my life, and now I want to return the favor by putting those smiles on other kids’ faces who are fighting their own battles.”
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Eileen Wallace, a certified school nurse and facilitator for Bethel Park School District, has been a part of Sean’s medical journey.
“Sean and Maria are amazing,” Wallace said. “From the first day I met Maria, she has always wanted to give back because of all the people who helped her since Sean was diagnosed. I’ve watched him grow into a wonderful young man. He is truly a miracle.”
The money was raised through coin drives held during May in Bethel Park School District — including through the Bethel Park Interact Club, a school-based organization that participates in fundraising and community service — and Blair County school districts for the Sean Rovers and Kaylee Kruise Smiles Fund. Evey’s Hardware in Bethel Park and Krah Family Dentistry in Peters made donations.
The connection between Sean and Kaylee, who lived in Altoona, was formed when they underwent treatment for brain cancer. The two shared the same December birthday. Kaylee passed away in February 2021. The fund was renamed as a way to help keep her memory alive.
The money will help provide incidentals for children and families receiving medical care at the hospital, with a focus on those who live in the Blair County area, where Kaylee attended school, and patients at UPMC Children’s South Fayette, where Sean has been treated.
“Looking back to the past five years, I’m overwhelmed with the support and very very grateful to everyone who supports our Smiles From Sean endeavor, especially to my team, Bethel Park school administration, faculty and staff, students and parents,” Maria Rovers said. “I felt good seeing the end result of being able to raise this money amidst the challenges that my family and members of my team face behind the scenes.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.