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Riverview Moose Lodge Helps Youngsters In Need

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

RIVERVIEW - Two youngsters with special needs received a helping hand recently from their local Moose lodge.

Members of the Riverview Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 2158, held auctions, sold dinners and solicited businesses over a three-month period, raising some $3,800 to help two disabled youngsters as part of their Wall of Angels program.

Eric Stevens, 6, who suffers from cerebral palsy and several other afflictions, is unable to hold his head up without assistance. Moose members purchased a special car seat for him to enable him to ride safely. Eric is the son of Jennifer Stevens of Wimauma.

Kylee Cupp, 2, who suffers from childhood nephrotic syndrome, caused by diseased kidneys, received financial help to pay for her medications. Childhood nephrotic syndrome is an illness that causes the kidneys to lose protein, which is released through the body in the urine. The condition causes Kylee to swell.

Kylee is the daughter of Bobby and Stephanie Cupp of Riverview.

The Moose started the Wall of Angels program last year as a way to give back to the community, said committee co-chairman Mike Tanner. The committee looks for disabled youngsters in need of help.

Co-chairman Mike McAllister said lodge members research each child's needs, choosing those who need help most.

"We also help their families by paying for medications, taking groceries to the home, etc.," McAllister said.

This year, the group got a special boost from former pro wrestler Chavo Guerrero Sr., who flew in from Texas on his own dime to sign autographs and talk to fans. Donations collected during the session went directly to the Stevens and Cupp families, Tanner said.

For information on the Wall of Angels program, call McAllister at (813) 659-0974 or Tanner at (813) 376-8896.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566 or yhammett@tampatrib.com.

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