On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dunphy’s Ice Cream Parlor in Bristol will celebrate “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” in honor of Drew Fowler, a 6-year-old Terryville resident diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma brain tumor. The event is open to the public, and will serve as a fundraiser.
The event also will offer facepainting and an appearance by Superman, courtesy of the New Britain based non-profit Connecticut Theatre Company. Those in attendance may get their picture taken with the superhero and their face painted for free.
A press release about the event said Drew was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at age 4 and received treatment. However, after having issues with his vision, doctors recently discovered that his tumor has grown. Since surgery is not an option, Drew will be receiving chemotherapy approximately every week for a year. This will mean more expensive medical bills for the Fowler family. Therefore, Dunphy’s has agreed to open early on Saturday, Feb. 21 and donate a portion of sales between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. towards Drew’s treatment. Drew’s mother, Gina, was raised in Bristol and is a volunteer actress with Connecticut Theatre Company.
Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is a grass roots, international celebration started in 2013 by the family of Malia Grace Peterson, a Minnesota child who lost her battle with cancer in 2010. The day was created to honor all those who have fought or who are currently fighting childhood cancer. Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is typically celebrated on Feb. 18.
Dunphy’s Ice Cream is located at 912 Stafford Ave. in Bristol. If you cannot attend the event and would still like to donate, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/Thedrewcrew.
For more information on International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, please visit www.eaticecreamforbreakfast.com.