Special Event Benefits Memorial Playground

Visit the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department's website, and you'll notice a prominently placed photograph in the upper righthand corner.

Young Patrick O'Brien is pictured with an ear-to-ear smile as he shows off his custom-fit firefighter's outfit, showing his status as an honorary member of the department.

The website also lists the dates 2002-10. That span, unfortunately, represents Patrick's life.

He died at age 8 following a courageous battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that usually affects children.

His parents, Stephen and Tracy, are keeping his memory alive by constructing a playground in his honor. Appropriately enough, it will have a fire engine theme, and it's to be built at Montclair Estates Community Pool, 1200 Sherbrook Drive, near the family's home.

The pool also will be the site of a special event to help the cause: a luau scheduled for 7 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10.

"We have some funds already raised, and hope this can give us the other half," said family friend Felicia Musillo, who is on the committee organizing the luau.

The event features luau-style appetizers from Roadside Ribs in South Fayette, homemade desserts, drinks, live entertainment, silent and Chinese auctions, a 50-50 drawing and a grand prize raffle. Donation is $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

For tickets and more information contact Brooke Elias at 412-498-5017 or brooke15205@yahoo.com.