By Laura Lane
"Jaclyn's mom told me her daughter had cancer from a brain tumor and was going on the cruise to fulfill her Make a Wish request," Koebel said, referring to the Make A Wish Foundation, which provides dream trips for children suffering from long-term illnesses like cancer.
Koebel, who was 12 at the time, wound up hanging out with Lopez for the entire cruise. The two hit it off, and after the trip, they decided to keep in touch. Over time, Koebel formed a lasting relationship with Lopez, whom she visits twice a year and continues to speak with by phone twice weekly.
Recently, while visiting Florida, Koebel stumbled on an event that blossomed into a lifelong commitment for her. At Lopez's request, Koebel helped organize a Christmas in July party in Florida for children with cancer. Afterward, Lopez asked Koebel if she could arrange a similar event for children in New York.
The 16-year-old fulfilled her young friend's request recently at Cow Meadow Park in Freeport. Although Lopez couldn't attend -- because of her cancer, she can't fly -- Koebel said she was thrilled that the party was held.
Koebel raised funds for the party by setting up a booth at the Bellmore Stop & Shop, and she persuaded Pepsi to donate soda and Toys For Tots, a U.S. Marine Corps program, to donate toys.
Debbie Lindell, of Merrick, a volunteer for the Nassau County Girl Scouts, had local Brownies wrap the gifts and Junior Girls help with the toy shopping, and at the party, the Brownies put on a puppet show. Koebel also asked friends from Bellmore and East Meadow help out.
"We raised money, but not enough to hire a clown," Koebel said. "Debbie [Lindell] paid for one. The kids had so much fun. We had face-painting, arts and crafts, and even a pinata for them."
Twelve child cancer patients from different area hospitals enjoyed the Christmas in July party, which helped them form lasting bonds with volunteers. "What was so great about the party was the families and the volunteers got so close," Koebel said. "They call us to come over and see the kids who miss us. We also babysit for them but don't charge for it."
Lindell believes the volunteer girls were fortunate to be part of the party. "Danielle is very special," she said. "I personally think she should win the Nobel Peace Prize for kindness."
Koebel said that the now 7-year-old Lopez is in remission and doesn't need a wheelchair. She will attend school for the first time this fall, as a second-grader. Her New York friend has already sent her boxes of supplies for the happy occasion. The last time Koebel visited the little girl, she had long, beautiful hair, which Koebel had never seen on her because of chemotherapy treatments.
And Koebel's career aspirations have changed. "After meeting Jaclyn, I decided that what I want to do when I grow up is help the kids with cancer," she said. "I want to throw them parties and make them happy."
The teenager has many plans, and she isn't waiting for graduation to carry them out. "I'm thinking of maybe renting out a place like Adventureland for the day or a movie theater," she said. "Maybe I could even put together a concert to raise the money for our next party. I'd like the next party to be a costume party, let the kids make their own costumes and be in a parade. I don't know when the parties will happen, but one thing is sure: I plan on having these parties forever."
