Hewlett basketball team raises over $13,000 for children whose loved ones are battling serious illnesses

The Hewlett varsity boys' basketball team took to the court to raise money for children whose loved ones are battling cancer.
The game raised over $13,000 to benefit Long Island teens who are part of SIBSPlace (Survivorship In Brothers and Sisters), a nonprofit that provides free support services for siblings coping with emotions after having a brother, sister or parents diagnosed with a serious illness.
"It's teaching them about community service," says SIBSPlace Executive Director Joanna Formont. "They're playing a game and doing something they love and at the same time, they are also helping to raise money for a local program."
Teens that are part of the nonprofit watched the game from the bleachers and say it means a lot to them.
Nathaniel Blades' twin brother Elijah was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. While Elijah was battling cancer, Nathaniel felt himself struggling emotionally.
A year later, Nathaniel joined SIBSPlace and calls it an extended family.
"I didn't know what cancer was and what it was going to do to him, so it was a scary time for me, but really for him as well," Nathaniel says.
The basketball team has been involved in Hoops for Hope for 18 years and they plan to continue their tradition to play the sport, spread awareness and raise money for a good cause.