The Hewlett community came together Saturday to support one of their own, hosting the first-ever Rowyn Grace Classic at Hewlett High School.
The basketball fundraiser was organized in support of assistant basketball coach Jonathon Welsh and his 2-year-old daughter, Rowyn Grace, who is living with chronic pediatric kidney disease. The event drew students, athletes, coaches and families from across the district – all united by a shared goal of helping the Welsh family during a life-changing medical journey.
Proceeds from ticket sales and raffles benefited the Michael Magro Foundation, an organization that supports children battling cancer and other pediatric illnesses. Organizers say the foundation’s mission closely aligns with the challenges Rowyn Grace and her family are facing.
Welsh says his daughter is currently in a monitoring phase as doctors track her condition and determine next steps.
“Things are in the monitoring phase. We hope things can fix themselves,” Welsh said. “And if not, we have a community around us that’s willing to do whatever it takes.”
Despite her diagnosis, those who know Rowyn Grace describe her as strong, energetic and full of life. She frequently attends her father’s basketball practices, where she has become something of a team favorite.
“If you look at her, you wouldn’t know,” said Hewlett varsity basketball coach Andy DeBernardo. “She’s a tough kid. She comes to our practices, blows the whistle, you wouldn’t notice.”
Support for the Welsh family has extended beyond the basketball court. The Hewlett High School softball team, which Welsh also coaches, was among the many groups that showed up to give back to a coach they say has always been there for them.
“We’re so grateful to have a coach like him,” said Sarah Olideros of Hewlett. “So is the basketball team and the Hewlett community. We wanted to pay him back the same way he’s helped us.”
At the heart of the event was not just fundraising, but family. Welsh shared that if the time comes, he is prepared to take an even more personal step to help his daughter.
“Luckily enough, I am a match,” he said. “So when that time does come, I will give my kidney to her.”
