Sam Mackaravitz is not only an accomplished Troop 25 Boy Scout and Emmaus High School student but also a leukemia survivor.

From 2012 when Mackaravitz’s cancer was first diagnosed until 2020 when he was declared cured, Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley helped the Mackaravitz family cope with the situation.

PCFLV’s mission, as presented on the PCFLV website, is “We provide family-centered programs and services through all stages of the pediatric cancer journey with compassion and integrity.”

Mackaravitz’s mom Melissa said, “They [PCFLV] kept Santa alive for us for a few years.”

Therefore, when in March of 2023 Sam was deciding on an Eagle Scout project, giving back to PCFLV seemed the obvious choice.

Because PCFLV runs numerous events throughout the community and needed sturdy, portable chairs, Mackaravitz began creating a pair of puzzle chairs. Components of these wooden chairs fit together like the pieces of a puzzle which can be quickly disassembled into flat bundles for transportation or storage.

He expanded the plan to include the construction of two wooden donation boxes, assorted wooden props for various events and an overhead wooden banner supported by collapsible easels.

The next step was researching design and construction techniques and Mackaravitz enlisted family members and friends to assist him.

Since the chair pieces must fit together snuggly and easily, precision was vital. To achieve the specifications required for the chairs to work properly, he worked with Penn Sheet Metal. Using a program designed by a family friend, Mackaravitz achieved the desired result.

His grandmother, Donna Mackaravitz, pitched in and sewed three sets of slipcovers for the chairs’ cushions: gold, blue and Christmas colors. When asked to state his biggest challenge, Mackaravitz said, “working with adults.” Occasionally, he needed to tactfully remind his adult assistants of his role as leader.

Upon completion of the project, Mackaravitz formally presented the puzzle chairs, donation boxes, celebration props and banner to PCFLV Program and Services Manager Kristine Buss.

Troop 25 Scoutmaster Andy Frobase, Boy Scout committee member John McGinnis, Mackaravitz’s parents and grandmother attended the ceremony.

In the near future, Mackaravitz will explain the construction process and answer questions about his project at the Eagle Board of Review after which he will officially become an Eagle Scout.

As well as earning Eagle Scout status, Mackaravitz provided PCFLV with a gift founded in gratitude. He hopes to inspire others to support the foundation’s work.

Interested parties may obtain more information on PCFLV by visiting pcflv.org.