The Story

How it all Started...

Stephen was a healthy six year old boy who loved to play sports, especially baseball and hockey.  Doing everything a six year old could be expected to do.  One day (by chance or divine intervention) it was detected that his back (spine) was deviating slightly to one side.  His pediatrician was also concerned and referred him to an pediatric orthopedist.  Although rare for boys his age, the original diagnosis was the onset of pediatric scoliosis.  As a result of the condition's rapid progression, other specialists were consulted and more tests were performed.  Examinations determined that he had lost some abdominal sensation and an MRI was ordered.  This proved to show the underlying cause of his early scoliosis, he was then diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation at the base of his brain.  This is a condition that affects the normal circulation of spinal fluid produced in the brain and distributed throughout in the spinal cord.  Left untreated, it causes permanent damage to the bodies nervous system and eventual paralysis.  In his case, the only solution was immediate brain surgery to improve fluid circulation and prevent further irreparable nerve damage. 

The first surgery, at a prestigious NYC hospital, did not improve his condition as expected.  After months of recovering, MRI's did not show signs of improvement.  A second surgery was recommended.  After searching for any possible alternatives to further surgery, it was the only way.  A second surgery was preformed at UMDNJ.  This would be his second major operation in 5 months and his strength was being tested.  His body was ailing but his spirit was being strengthened.  This surgery proved to be a success!  Stephen recovered in the coming months and was able to return to his normal routines and school.  Although not guaranteed to improve from the surgery, his scoliosis also started improving and eventually corrected.  

Over these prolonged hospitalizations, Stephen noticed that other children on his floor did not receive as many gifts, toys and attention as he had.  He was very fortunate to have so many caring family and friends and he realized that not all the children were as fortunate.  He know he wanted to make a difference for them.  

The Penny...

After returning to school, one day in the playground at lunchtime, Stephen and a classmate came upon a shinny penny on the ground.  They both claimed it for themselves but eventually Stephen convinced his classmate to give it to those how need it most.  From that moment, his mission took shape.  Bringing that penny home would prove to be the start of his efforts to spread hope and comfort to the needy in his community. 

That penny was placed in his special coin bank (a Ziplock bag) and he added more spare change as friends and family learned of his plans.  Coins started to fill several bags and piggy banks over time.  When he reached the $20 mark, he and his Mom decided to contact the local hospital, Clara Maass Medical Center, to provide them with this donation.  The first donation consisted of goodie bags for the hospitalized children.  Contributions continued to come in and it was decided to create the Stephen Toledo Pediatric Fund.  This fund continues to benefit the needs of the children under pediatric care at Clara Maass.  To date, due to his ongoing efforts, he has motivated others to contribute to his mission.  These contributions have provided baby strollers, high chairs, a playhouse, bilingual books, socks, coloring books, crayons, DVD movies, Nintendo Gamecube games for mobile Fun Center donated in his honor.  Several portable electronic game units for use in the pediatric emergency room have also been purchased.

His mission continues to grow and help the needy children in his community...