Kelsey is a happy and fun-loving 7-year old living in Blauvelt with her parents and little brother. When Kelsey was born, her family unexpectedly learned she had a cleft palate, tracheomalacia, and a duplex kidney. While Kelsey was in the NICU, genetic testing revealed she suffered from a deletion on her third chromosome – a rare genetic condition with causes cognitive and global neurodevelopmental delays. Kelsey underwent 3 surgeries in early childhood to repair both her cleft palate and airway, and has been receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapy since she was an infant. Recently, Kelsey was also diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties with gross and fine motor skills, as well as a visual condition known as Dissociated Vertical Deviation (DVD), which impacts her depth perception and ability to focus. Kelsey’s family hopes that, with the help of the Penguin Plunge, they can raise enough funds to professionally train a special service dog for Kelsey so she can become more independent and gain self-confidence. They would also like to utilize the funds for her on-going therapies.

Logan is a 7-year old boy from Pearl River who started suddenly limping in December 2024. His family soon found out he has Perthes disease, a rare condition that affects the hip joint in children. Logan is unable to put any weight on his left side and will be bound to crutches and a wheelchair for the next several years. Logan is a natural athlete who loves playing hockey, baseball, flag football, and golf. With sports being on hold, he has started taking drum lessons and recently joined a wheelchair sports organization. Logan is a very active child who can no longer jump, run, crawl around, or just be a kid. Despite this, his spirits remain high. Logan’s family likes to say that he is Tough, Brave, and a Warrior, or TBW for short.

Bryce Friedman of New City is named after the canyons of Utah. Just like those canyons, he stands strong as a rock as he faces the toughest challenge of his young life. While gearing up for 5th grade graduation in April 2025, Bryce was diagnosed with high-risk Leukemia. He and his family currently endure a three-year treatment journey filled with hospital stays, chemotherapy, and countless medical challenges. But Bryce is a fighter in every sense. Although just 11 years old, he is no stranger to adversity. Born with over 30 severe allergies, he has spent myriad hours in doctors’ offices undergoing therapies to manage his complex medical needs. Through it all, Bryce has shown incredible strength, courage, and determination. Now poised in his fight against cancer, Bryce looks ahead to continue his passions – boxing and playing the cello. With the help of his tireless band of communities, the patience of his brother Kobe, and the expert care at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he is determined to come out stronger. He looks forward to one day attending Felix Festa Middle School and taking a victory lap around Bryce Canyon.