Students Raise Money for Angel 34 in Memory of Mason Koch

Students at raised about $500 for by simply buying a book -- “Jay At Play," which is written by Troy Hein, a sports anchor with WFMZ-TV Channel 69.

“It’s been fun to go to the schools -- more fun than I ever thought possible,” Hein said. “It’s been such a blessing.”

Each book cost $15, and $5 of every purchase went to Angel 34 in memory of Mason Alexander Koch, according to Gregory Shoemaker, the principal at Bushkill Elementary.

“People wanted to help the family,” said Corinne Hinkel, a first grade teacher and the organizer of the fundraiser.

Mason was 3 years old when he died in a drowning accident at his home in Bushkill Township, Hinkel explained, adding that Mason's brother, Cole, is one of her students.

Angel 34 is a national foundation -- headquartered in Bushkill Township -- that is led by the parents of Nicole Sheriff, Doug and Linda Sheriff.

In May 2004, Nicole was just 15 years old when she passed away after a lengthy battle with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

During her treatments, Nicole discovered that ICEEs had the amazing ability to relieve the pain of mouth and stomach sores suffered by cancer patients.

With the help of schools and field hockey teams, Nicole raised $15,000 to install an ICEE machine in the pediatric cancer ward of .

Today, the foundation has continued with the ICEE program and has installed machines in more than 15 pediatric centers across the country, with current plans to install 100 more.

Knowing he'd be helping a good cause, Hein stopped by the local elementary school on Tuesday to read two of his books -- which are based on Hein’s childhood experiences -- and to answer questions.

Shoemaker said Hein’s books are in line with the school’s behavioral support program -- the three R’s teach the children to be respectful, responsible and ready-to-learn.

In his books, Hein stresses the importance of integrity, playing fair and including others. Jay, in "Jay at Play," is based on Hein's little brother, and the coach in the books is based on Hein's father, who coached many of his teams.

“My dad was a great teacher," Hein said. "I learned a lot from him. I learned how to win and be a good sport about it, and the value of losing.”

In Hein’s book “Jay At Play: The Big Hit,” the coach tells Jay, “Integrity means I’ll stand up for what’s right. Always.” Jay goes on to make sure the right boy gets credit for the homerun.

In his most recent book, “Jay At Play: The Season,” Jay learns that although he’s a talented basketball player, he has to let his teammates shine, too. The coach tells Jay, “Basketball is a team sport. Winning is great, but you win as a team. You can’t always do it yourself.”

Hein said he wrote his first book three years ago, and has now written 13 books. He plans to have his third book published by spring.

Shoemaker said Hein’s visit has given the children an opportunity to meet a real author -- someone who knows what it's like to write, edit and revise a work.

At the assembly, Shoemaker emphasized to the children that Hein is “an avid reader. He’s an avid writer. The process you’re going to go through, he has gone through.”

The children will soon learn how to write their own stories in English class, Shoemaker said.

“Jay At Play” books are available on Amazon, Hein said, and at www.jayatplaybooks.com.