VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--It was a weekend of giving for Chartway Credit Union and the Chartway Promise Foundation, as representatives from both organizations appeared at two big football matchups across Hampton Roads in conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the CU said.
On Saturday evening, the Chartway Promise Foundation and its partner, Toby’s Dream Foundation, granted a dream to five-year-old Karlysle at the Old Dominion University (ODU) football game. The moment occurred on the field after first quarter play during the ODU Monarchs' game against Virginia Tech at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Promise Hero, Karlysle Sitler, who is currently battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), was surrounded by his parents, Christina and Aaron, and his younger brother Cyprus, as his dream of visiting Disney World was announced. The surprise reveal, captured live on the Jumbotron, brought smiles and cheers from the crowd when Karlysle and his family learned they would soon be visiting Disney World, the CU said.
"We are incredibly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Christina Sitler, Karlysle's mother. "This journey has been so difficult for our family, but seeing Karlysle’s joy today and knowing that we’ll soon make these special memories together at Disney World means the world to us. We can't thank the Chartway Promise Foundation and Toby’s Dream Foundation enough for their kindness and generosity."
"Our mission is to bring joy to medically fragile children like Karlysle, and today's events are a true reflection of that purpose," said Christine Wilson, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation. "Partnering with Toby’s Dream Foundation allows us to create unforgettable moments for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. We’re honored to be a part of Karlysle’s journey and to create lasting memories for his family."
“We couldn’t be more excited to make this dream a reality for Karlysle and his family,” said Brian Schools, Chartway Credit Union’s president and CEO. “Bringing joy and helping them forget their challenges, even for a moment, is what our Chartway Promise Foundation is all about. And it’s moments like these that demonstrate the incredible impact we can have in the communities we serve, and the impact community members can have through their donations and philanthropic spirit.”
Earlier on Saturday, at the annual Battle of the Bay football game between Norfolk State University and Hampton University, there was an on-field check presentation of $60,000 from Chartway Credit Union for the Norfolk State University Foundation to support university initiatives.