KDKA’s Free Care Fund Telethon brings light to remarkable BPHS student

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • January 2, 2025

Marissa Dankwardt, a BPHS sophomore, suffered a traumatic brain injury after an ATV accident in July. Her story is being showcased in the 71st Annual KDKA-TV Free Care Fund Telethon. Photo courtesy of M&M Photography

The 71st Annual KDKA Free Care Fund Telethon has taken center stage, showcasing not only the incredible mission of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh but also inspiring stories of courage and healing.

One of the most touching narratives shared this year is that of Marissa Dankwardt, a BPHS sophomore who is now recovering after a traumatic brain injury sustained in an ATV accident.

Marissa, who has always been passionate about competitive riding, faced an uphill battle after the incident.

Following urgent care and critical emergency surgery at UPMC Children’s Hospital, she began a journey of recovery that would test her determination and resilience.

The road was not easy, but Marissa’s spirit shone brightly through the challenges as she aimed for a return to normality.

Now back at school part-time and undergoing rehabilitation, she cherishes the connections she made at the hospital.

She has highlighted how vital the connections made during her hospital stay have become to her healing process.

Her story emphasizes the importance of community support and the life-saving care provided by UPMC Children’s Hospital, which will always remain a pivotal part of her journey.

The KDKA Free Care Fund Telethon is dedicated to continuing this vital support. By raising funds to assist families like Marissa’s, the telethon highlights how community generosity can make a profound impact.

Marissa Dankwardt’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of community bonds, and the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals dedicated to patient care.

With her sights set on competitive riding once more, Marissa exemplifies the very essence of fighting spirit and recovery.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer