Throughout February, WNED/WBFO is recognizing everyday citizens of Western New York who are doing amazing things in their communities. Our “Making a Difference” project emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and encourage others to lend a helping hand.
“Now I am going to try to find your card," says Greg Kowal, "Was your card the ten of diamonds?”
Greg, 13, hopes to become a famous magician someday. For now though, he’s devoting his time to helping others. The Lancaster boy was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when he was just a toddler. It’s a disease that grows fibrous non-cancerous tumors throughout his body. The largest tumor encompasses his entire right leg.
“I’ve had many surgeries, probably about 12 or 13,” Greg says, “So I’ve had a lot and I’m a tough kid.”
When Greg was nine he received a hot tub from the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help with physical therapy. A gift, which his mom, Lisa, says inspired him to help others.
“I played softball,” Lisa notes, “and he wanted to sell candy bars at my games to raise money for Make-A-Wish.”
Selling candy bars was just the beginning. Lisa says he also sells Make-a-Wish Stars with the idea that he’s paying it forward.
“Every year he’s got a bigger goal,” Lisa says, “He decided to sell the stars at school. So we are always trying to do little projects to increase his give back”
“My goal is to make children that have diseases… like me,” Greg says, “to make them feel the way I felt when I got my hot tub that day,”
Ultimately, Greg donates the money he’s raised to the Make-a-Wish Radiothon to help other kids’ dreams come true.
"My son is an inspiration to me because he doesn’t complain about anything,” says Lisa, “He gets up and he’s such a joy to be around. He’s just…I love him…he’s a good kid.”
“If you put your heart to it, you can do it,” Greg says, “and if you put your heart and mind to it, you can do it. You can do whatever you want."
Listen to WBFO throughout February for more stories of people who are Making a Difference in Western New York. Watch the Making a Difference TV documentary on WNED-TV tonight at 9pm or screen the video and audio stories at wned.org. You can also nominate someone for next year’s production of “Making a Difference”. Visit wned.org/makingadifference to submit your nomination.