A SHORT STACK OF KINDNESS

By ROBERT EICHNER

Whether you enjoy pancakes with syrup, butter, or both, National Pancake Day is a time to indulge in several short stacks of this staple of breakfast in America.  However, many Americans have no recollection or idea about how this day came about, its religious significance or what it truly means in countries all around the world. 

National Pancake Day, less commonly known as Shrove Tuesday, is always scheduled the day after Ash Wednesday and is celebrated by eating pancakes.  The day is practiced by “Several Christian denominations excluding the orthodox Christian churches and common custom,” according to internationalpancakeassociation.com.  

The name ‘Shrove’ derives from the word absolve, which means to "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with,” says Ihop.com.  Dedicated to making a difference,  IHOP looked deeply into what amendments they could encourage.   They chose to play a major role in cancer research.  

ROBERT EICHNER FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

As pancake consumers participate in International Pancake Day, they can choose to donate money at participating IHOPs around the world.  This year, IHOP alone has raised over 5 million dollars for local children’s hospitals and health organizations across the country and around the world. There are three major charities that have received the donations: Children's Miracle Hospital Network, Shriners Hospitals for children, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.

Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have raised more than $5 billion for 170 hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.  Shriners Hospitals for Children are changing lives every day through pediatric specialty care and outstanding medical education.  The mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and melanoma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.  What IHOP is doing is “innovative for cancer research awareness and could help improve lives,” says pancake aficionado Marco Radi.  Families all over the world, especially in third world countries, have greatly benefited from each and every dollar generated. 

In honor of National Pancake Day and to brighten some lives, IHOP nominates one child suffering from cancer as a head chef each year.  This year, 9-year-old Starla C. from Mobile, Alabama was chosen.  At the age of 3, Starla was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, which severely damaged her heart. The damage in her heart caused her to die but, thankfully, doctors were able to ring her back to life.  IHOP honored her by featuring her oatmeal raisin pancake recipe on their official menu.  “The little things we do in life can really make a difference in someone's life, giving them the courage to fight on,” says Washingtonville senior Alexa Siciliano. 

So what can students of Washingtonville do to help?   They can make the quick drive to IHOP and drop a few bucks in the donation bin.  Every dollar counts and a measly few dollars can grant the gift of life to many fellow humans.   In the spirit of Shrove Tuesday, go out and make an impact today and every day!