The foundation awarded four scholarships to the Class of 2018, honoring friends of McCurry who have gone above and beyond to carry out her legacy
This year would have been Siani McCurry’s senior year at Burlington Township High School. But in 2014, after a long fight with leukemia, Siani, a few months shy of her 14th birthday, died from complications related to a bone marrow transplant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Siani’s death was an immeasurable loss to the McCurry family, but with the Burlington Township community by their side, they turned their grief into the Siani Strong Foundation, which devoted its annual gala Feb. 3 to Siani’s graduating class. Surrounded by family and friends, parents Tracey and David and brother Davon McCurry honored those who helped transform their pain into philanthropy over the years with an evening of musical performances, speakers and remembrance of Siani.
“If she were here right now, she would probably say, ‘Kick that junk!” That was like her catchphrase. Whenever she didn’t like something, and especially when she was fighting cancer, she’d call it ‘junk,’” said David, Siani’s father.
The Siani Strong Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to families of children with blood and bone disorders, holds its “A Night of Hope” gala each year to thank the donors and advocates who allow the McCurrys and the SSF team to carry out their mission. But 2018 was especially close to the family’s heart — rather than lament not being able to see their daughter graduate high school and continue to college, the McCurrys had the distinct privilege of sending off Siani’s friends and classmates, whose support and volunteerism continue to reinforce the foundation’s values and goals.
Over the years, Siani’s friends and soccer teammates have made numerous contributions to the foundation, which Tracey says never fails to overwhelm her with gratitude. The seniors raised $700 with their first fundraising effort, an eighth-grade boys versus girls soccer scrimmage, and since then have raised about $10,000 with annual soccer classics, Relay for Life participation, dedication soccer games and even blood drives.
“They have been so amazing, and we wanted to show them our appreciation through celebration of them and their selflessness. We won’t forget them, just like they vowed to never forget Siani,” Tracey, the foundation’s family support services coordinator, said. “I know they will continue to be giving, loyal people. They have already started an alumni team for the soccer fundraisers they do every year.”
The evening included a speech from Burlington Township School District’s public information officer, Liz Scott, a reading of a poem, performances by friends and family members and the awarding of four $250 scholarships.
Seniors Mariah MacIntosh, Lindsey Macrae, Rikhin Bhuta and Davide Conigliaro were called to the stage to receive their awards, which was given to them for “going above and beyond” in their efforts to support SSF. They are credited as the leaders of the soccer fundraising efforts.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion. I didn’t know that they were going to do that, and I was honored that they chose me. I never did any of the work for the foundation expecting any reward, I did it because I loved my friend,” Macrae said, echoing the sentiments of her fellow recipients.
The McCurry’s entire extended family gather on stage for the finale, where they sang in a gospel chorus.
“It was probably our best event yet, especially from a program perspective, and it was such a special night to be able to honor those seniors. I think it was a tremendous program, outcome and sentiment,” said Davon, SSF’s president. “She enjoyed singing quite a bit, so she would have enjoyed all the songs and the family rendition at the end. I know she would have been very happy to know that her legacy lives on to help other families in need.”
To donate or find out more about Siani Strong Foundation, visit www.sianistrong.org.
