Bayside Gym Hosts Fundraiser For Boy Diagnosed With Leukemia

BAYSIDE, QUEENS – A gym in Bayside is hosting a fundraiser to help a Floral Park child diagnosed with cancer this year.

Butch's Boxing and MMA is hosting an event on Saturday, Nov. 19, to aid Aiden Kruger, a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia in January, as a part of a tradition to help pediatric cancer patients in the community.

“As a mom, when you hear about families that are going through something like this, it’s horrifying,” said Amanda Rinaldi, co-owner of the gym. “These families can’t just shut it off, it’s a constant for them.”

Aiden is the son of physician assistants Nicole and Danielle Kruger, who have been living in Floral Park for 10 years.

“It’s been really tough between covid and diagnosis,” said Nicole. “We’re very much looking forward to him receiving that support in the community, which he hasn’t been able to be a part of that much.”

The gym, located at 203-18 35th Ave, will showcase boxing and other events inside the gym, as well as fire trucks and police patrols outside the building.

Rinaldi said the event is part of a series of efforts to help pediatric cancer patients in the community, adding to their 2018 fundraiser for another child in the community and another for St. Mary’s Hospital in 2019.