Steeler was big hit with Harmony boy
CRANBERRY TWP — With the growing success of the annual softball and golf classic charity events, the Cranberry Community Uniting People board has been able to help other families beyond its chosen annual beneficiaries.
Last year, CUP events raised more than $140,000. The board bought one family a new home and helped four others.
With the help of Rozann Lamberto, a counselor in the Seneca Valley School District, the CUP helped three families this past Christmas.
"When they were asked what they would like to give to their children, all they asked for were coats, boots, bed comforters — all the things to keep them warm and that we all take for granted," said Cathy Cortazzo, CUP board president.
"I was very surprised that nobody asked for silly things like Nintendo or an iPod."
The CUP organizers also have been able to help families, not only financially, but inspirationally, including helping a boy meet one of his heroes.
Cortazzo learned about Saxon Kiesewetter, a 13-year-old, who had been battling a life-threatening illness for some time.
Saxon, the son of Diana and Gerald Litzenberg of Harmony and Kurt Kiesewetter of Kennerdell, died of Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, on June 2, but not before he got to meet his favorite Steeler.
Cortazzo had called the family and asked if they wanted to be considered as the Inspirational Family, who would benefit by the fundraising of the Cranberry CUP. They told her that financially they were OK, and someone else probably needed the money more.
However, they did indicate Saxon would like to meet Troy Polamalu, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro football safety.
That happened when Polamalu stopped at Children's Hospital unannounced for a visit.
"Saxon called me that night after the visit," said Cortazzo. "He told me that he was having a really bad day and that when Troy walked in the room, he forgot about his pain and worries."
Polamalu gave him a set of prayer beads and they prayed together.
Polamalu gave Saxon his personal phone number and told him to call him anytime and had promised Saxon that he would take him to dinner when he was able.
The two talked on the phone several times, though his mother never asked about what they discussed.
"They had their own private relationship. Troy is quite a wonderful person," Cortazzo said.
