Pinewood Derby Assists With Medical Costs For Cub Scout With Brain Tumor

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

June 27, 2022

The “Nick’s Epic Race” Pinewood Derby saw dozens of community volunteers turn out to assist with medical costs for Nick Parenti, a local cub scout diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The derby was sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 209 on behalf of Cub Scout Pack 425 and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Nick Parenti, 7, was out of state for a medical consultation on Saturday. Parenti’s older brother, Alex, 11, was present at the event along with his father Rob Parenti.

Visitors who stopped by to make donations were able to race pinewood cars cars down racing tracks or a “full throttle” race down a 100 foot ski slope. They could use basic, pre-cut cars at their own, cut their own cars of bring their own cars to race.

Rob Parenti said that Nick Parenti was happy to hear how many people came out to support him.

“I video chatted with him this morning and he’s very happy,” said Rob Parenti. “He made his own green, pinewood derby car that he called The Hulk. He told me to let him know how it does.”

Alex Parenti said that two years ago, before the pandemic, he placed second in a pinewood derby and his brother Nick placed first.

“I feel so happy that we’re here doing this to help my brother,” he said.

Brian Brady, Nick Parenti’s Den Leader, said that he “is a good kid.”

“He has a very polite attitude and he’s very competitive,” said Brady. “He loves the pinewood derby, he’s very outdoorsy and he’s a huge sports fan. He’s very good to the other scouts.”

Jen Capitao, event organizer, said that she has known the family since Nick Parenti joined and wanted to help.

“The scouts are alone big family,” she said. “We’re more than happy to do our part.”

Zoey Rupert, 13, another scout with Troop 425 was passing out cars for participants in the pinewood derby to use. She said that the pinewood derby was “a really good project to help a local family in a bad situation.”

“It’s about raising awareness and raising funds,” she said. “I’ve heard that Nick is a sweet kid and very nice.”

Rob Parenti said that the family has created a gofundme page to help with medical expenses. So far, thanks to the community’s support, they have been able to raise $55,000. Their goal, he said, is to raise as much money as possible – at least $100,000.

“We are so appreciative to everyone who has supported us,” he said.

Those who wish to support the Parenti family can do by visiting gofund.me/c989f5a0.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.