On Saturday, Sept. 24, William’s Warriors hosted its sixth annual Chalk the Walk community event at the Blue Point Preserve. With over 70 raffle baskets and a long list of sponsors, it was the most successful charitable event in the organization’s history. One of the charity’s biggest sponsors was local philanthropist Jen McNamara and the Johnny Mac Foundation.

“Although we didn’t know William, we do understand the battle he faced. We wanted to show support for his family and our love for a child we never met. We also believe that what they do is amazing and inspiring,” said McNamara.

Throughout the winding walkway of the preserve were numbered, pre-drawn 3-by-3 squares, over 150 in total. For a donation of $25, attendees could decorate one of the boxes with chalk art.

“For the last six years, we have been blessed by the support of our incredible community who has helped to make William’s Chalk the Walk such an amazing event… The preserve was transformed into a gallery showcasing the creative expressions of artists of all ages,” said Margaret Schultz, mother of William Schultz, who is the courageous young boy honored by the event.

The funds raised “support art therapy at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospital; provide art supplies for children nationally upon request; and brain cancer research of Dr. Wechsler-Rey,” said Schultz.

“Brain cancer is now the deadliest children’s cancer. There is a dire need for a breakthrough for better and more targeted treatment. In the end it was complications from treatment that caused William’s death. We had a wonderful Chalk the Walk, growing each year. I hope that one year we will fill the path,” continued Schultz.

William’s Warriors was started in 2017, following the tragic loss of 6-year-old William Schultz after a rapid, hard-fought battle with medulloblastoma.

Medulloblastoma, a fast-growing, high-grade tumor, located in the cerebellum, the lower, rear portion of the brain, had claimed William’s life at the young, tender age of 7 following complications related to high dose chemo with stem cell rescue.

A turtle sculpture was installed in the preserve to honor William’s memory, and in the Indian summer sun was a favorite play spot for young children. Facebook was abuzz with community members posting photos of their chalk square art and warm sentiments for the continuing fight against childhood cancer.