Terrace Hose Co. No. 3 to hold barbecue for fire chief’s son

Terrace Hose Co. No. 3 will hold a barbecue on Saturday, July 16, at the firehouse, 2543 Columbus Ave., to raise money and awareness for Cooper Graham, the five-month-old son of fire commissioner Mike Graham.

Cooper was recently diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer that begins in the back of the eye and is most commonly found in children under the age of five. Cooper has been treated at Cohen’s Children Medical Center since May.

“At the fire service, everything we do is about looking out for each other and our families, so when Mike had called me and told me Cooper was sick, I took it upon myself to help alongside with the fire department,” Kevin Klein, captain at Terrace Hose, said. “I thought the best thing we could do is put on a fundraiser for him. In spirit of Oceanside and giving back to Mike and his wife, Rachel, we hope the community will come together for this event.”

The barbecue will have a $20 admission fee, with proceeds going to the Graham family, and drinks and hamburgers will be included. The raffle baskets will be the main focus of the event, but the fire department is also looking to bring in a DJ and local sports teams to put together other activities.

Graham is a long-time Oceanside resident and has taken on many roles within the community, such as the former Kiwanis Club president and a local business owner of “Flowers by Mike.” The family uses the hashtag “CoopStrong” on social media to raise awareness for Cooper, which has since gone viral and become well known in the community.

Another fundraiser, called “Coffee for Coop,” was held in partnership with Heavenly Coffee in East Rockaway on June 21, during which 100 percent of all sales that day were donated to the Graham family.

Graham said that these initiatives, including the upcoming one at the firehouse, are invaluable to Cooper and his family.

“Cooper has been battling this for over three months now,” he said. “The support from the fire department and the Oceanside community has been incredible and there are no words to thank them. This is the reason we chose to live in Oceanside and why we continue to be a part of this community. We can all come together and be there for each other, and we just hope one day we can give back to someone who may be in a position like ours.”

Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito had served a vital part in putting the barbecue together, along with Captain Klein.

“This is an opportunity to show support for a young child,” D’Esposito said. “Mike and his family are facing so many financials burdens, and this is a great opportunity for Oceanside and surrounding communities to show support for this family and their beautiful baby.”

D’Esposito said he would attend the barbecue, alongside other town officials.

Terrace Hose Co. is seeking donations for the raffle and is specifically interested in sports and concert tickets, restaurant gift certificates, weekend getaways and items related to family fun, health, beauty and fitness. Those interested in donating may contact helpcoopstrong@gmail.com.