Good News: St. Baldrick's, St. Patrick's and a Few Smart Kids

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days.

Many locals walked into Napper Tandy's on Main Street in Smithtown with long, flowing hair on Saturday but left with shaved heads as part of St. Baldrick's Day, an event where participants raise money to fund childhood cancer research grants.

While dozens of people participated, the biggest crowd of the event surrounded Cassandra Steinle, a 15-year-old Smithtown West High School student who is a Neuroblastoma IV survivor, but now critically ill from lung disease, a result of her treatments.

"I had cancer as a baby so of course it's important to me ... I figured that I would just raise money and I convinced my mom and dad to let me do it and I did it," she said. 

East Hampton High Advances in 'The Challenge'

East Hampton High School studenrts are showing Long Island just what they're working with upstairs.

Students advanced to the second round of MSG Varsity’s, “The Challenge”, on Thursday, and will take on West Babylon High School on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. on Cablevision’s Optimum, Channel 14.

Collin Kavanaugh, Brock Lownes, who is the captain, Ian Lynch — the valedictorian of the Class of 2013 — Josh Le Clerc, and alternatives Tom Hindmarsh Sten and Margaux Eckert. Jessica Zimmermann and Michelle Kennedy are the academic advisor.

Corned Beef 'Molly McGrath' Sandwich

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day — Hampton Seafood Company's sandwich of the week will make your mouth water whether you are Irish or not.

Molly Mamay's Corned Beef "Molly McGrath" sandwich is made of oven baked corned beef, pickled carrots and onions, melted Irish cheddar, salt and vinegar chips, and dijonaisse on a roll.

Molly's mom, Laurie Trujullio-Mamay, a chef has a mobile food van called Hamptons Foodie, helped her come up with the ingredients.

Commack Dad and Activist to be Honored at Autism Ball

Commack resident Daniel Ryan will be honored at the Woodbury Ball for Autism for his efforts to spread awareness and education about the disorder. The ball will be held April 5 at the Village Club at Lake Success.

Holocaust Survivor to Speak at Hauppauge Temple

Holocaust survivor Ruth Meador will tell her awe-inspiring story of rescue by the Kindertransport on April 7 at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge.