Special Graduation Day For Children With Cancer On L.I.

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It was a special graduation day for a group of preschoolers on Long Island.

In front of family and friends, 21 children wearing white caps and gowns graduated Wednesday from the Morgan Center for Preschool Age Children with Cancer.

"That means we grew up," 7-year-old Joshua Sanchez told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "I want to be a policeman."

The Morgan Center is the first preschool program in the country that provides a clean, healthy and safe learning environment for children undergoing cancer treatment.

The center is a not for profit charitable organization and parents do not have to pay for their children to attend the program. Tuition and expenses are supported by donations and fundraising.

Ten years ago, Nancy and Rod Zuch opened the school in Hicksville in honor of their daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia at age two.

"We are giving these children back a part of their childhood that they otherwise would have to do without because of their battle with cancer," Nancy Zuch, who is both a teacher and the center's director, said in a press release. "We have made a lot of children and parents smile over the last 10 years. It is rewarding to know that this will be our tenth graduation."

Morgan Zuch, who is now 15 years old, is cancer-free and an athlete and honor student at Bay Shore High School.

"It's so exciting to see them graduate," she said of the graduating class.

The Zuchs plan on opening a second school for children with cancer on Long Island in Islip Terrace and are hoping to open more locations across the country.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories: