Blue Waves’ fundraiser supports Christopher Timpone

The Riverhead girls basketball team and its supporters helped raise $1,000 Thursday night at its Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser game against Smithtown East at Riverhead High School.

The Blue Waves, 66-26 winners, honored Christopher Timpone, a fourth-grader at Aquebogue Elementary School, before the game. Timpone is battling Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. Riverhead coach David Spinella announced to the crowd before the game that as of Jan. 9, Timpone was deemed “cancer free” by his doctors, prompting a huge roar from the fans.

The crowd rose to its feet as Timpone first walked onto the floor. When he took a seat, players from Riverhead presented him with an autographed basketball.

“Remember Chris, no one fights alone,” Spinella announced to the crowd.

The $1,000 total came thanks to some generous donations. Amanda Riley, sister of current Riverhead senior Melodee, donated back her winnings from the 50/50 raffle. And Riverhead assistant coach Jerry Wiesmann added an extra $45 to the final total to bring it to an even $1,000.

“It’s hard not to be emotional about this,” Spinella said after the game. “The kids spent the first four minutes of the game crying on the court.”

More Christopher Timpone Coverage:

Jan. 15, 2012: Bowling fundraiser

Nov. 12, 2011: Fundraiser at Calverton Links Golf Course