Community turns out for Potts’ benefit
Potts’ Doggie Shop, 2428 Cherryville Road, Northampton, held a fundraising day Jan. 12 to support the family of Kylie Schneider.
Kylie was 17 months old when her fight against pediatric brain cancer ended Dec. 1, 2024. Much of her life was spent at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Kylie, affectionately called Kylie Bug by her family, lived a full life with her family despite her diagnosis. She attended a beach vacation, an IronPigs game, trips to Dorney Park, trick or treat, walks with her family and puppy and much more.
The death of a child is always a tragedy. It is difficult for a family even if the life ended after a long illness. Everyone in attendance at Potts’ Jan. 12 expressed their concern and compassion for the family.
In an extraordinary show of support for the family and to honor Kylie, Potts’ Doggie Shop was filled with an overflow attendance, including a line out the door at times. Attendees ordered a lot of food and nearly all dropped their change and/or added a donation into a large freewill donation box at the checkout.
Mark Mazziotta, Potts’ owner, is no stranger to fundraising to help families in need grappling with cancer or a cancer death.
“The family owns this place today,” Mazziotta said. “All sales and money spent by patrons and donations here today are theirs.”
A Penn State graduate, Mazziotta ironically wore a fashionable Notre Dame shirt that garnered some friendly ribbing from Penn State fans there to support the Schneider family.
Mazziotta’s sister Marie died of breast cancer at a young age in 2006. Living through this cancer experience with his sister made an indelible mark on Mazziotta and kindled his burning impulse to aid others.
In approximately 20 fundraising events by Mazziotta, his brother and the Potts’ family since 1992, more than $300,000 has been raised.
Money certainly cannot replace a life lost, but it is important family members in mourning experience the kindness demonstrated by others, many of whom are strangers, so they know they are not alone in their grief.