WEST GOSHEN - Classmates of Abigail Rodkey, a 12-year-old Pierce Middle School student who died of a brain tumor in 2006, organized a charity walk in her memory June 14 at Henderson High School.

Walk organizer Nick Carlini, 14, of West Goshen, said he missed his friend Abbey, whom he met in kindergarten. He said he got the idea to hold a walk for Abbey after reading news accounts about a memorial walk for football player Sean Taylor.

Helping him were three friends and classmates who also knew Abbey: Zack Jones, Anthony Stabilo and Michael McCabe, all 14.
"Abbey lived close to me and Zack, and we used to hang out with her on weekends," Nick said Thursday.

When Abbey got sick, Nick visited her at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Renee Rodkey said she created a memorial fund in her daughter's name to help other children in the hospital's oncology department.
"Nick organized the walk and arranged to have the T-shirts made," said Rodkey. "He was amazing."

About 100 to 150 people attended the walk around Henderson High School's track on Abbey's birthday, June 14, and the event raised $4,000.

Initially, Rodkey had asked the township if she could have the charity event at West Goshen Community Park, but the township required a $200 fee to use the park. No exceptions are made for charitable events, she was told. Moreover, the township would not allow the organizers to sell T-shirts, pretzels or water. So the event was moved to Henderson High School, where the school district didn't charge a fee.

"We had a lot of help and volunteers from our school, and a lot of people came from Fernhill Elementary," Nick said.
Proceeds from the event and T-shirts sales will buy gift cards for children undergoing chemotherapy in the hospital's neuro-oncology department.

Rodkey said she gives $50 Toys "R" Us gift cards to younger children and $50 prepaid Visa cards for children ages 12 years and older.

In addition to the memorial fund, the Rodkeys have set up the Abbey Rodkey Nursing Scholarship for a Henderson High School graduating senior who demonstrates a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society.