Steven Balderas – Celebrating a Life

Steven Balderas was only 11 years old when a drunk driver ended his life. Even before his tragic death, Steven bravely faced challenges that other kids never have to deal with. The oldest of five children, Steven was diagnosed with hemophilia, a rare disease which prevents blood from clotting. Although his life was complicated by his illness, Steven a good brother, a great friend, and a beloved student at Oak Hammock K-8. His light shone brightly, but was extinguished far too soon. Steven will be missed.

In addition to exorbitant health care and hospital expenses related to Steven’s illness and tragic death, the Balderas family is having a difficult time covering his funeral and burial expenses.

Wednesday, September 7th, Steven’s teachers from Oak Hammock and the Van Duzer Foundation will be partnering to host a celebration of Steven Balderas’ life.

From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., one hundred percent of all sales at Big Apple Pizza, Fort Pierce, 2311 S. 35th Street, (right across from IRSC), will be donated to the Balderas family to help cover Steven’s funeral and expenses.

That includes all food and beverage sales, all staff salaries, and tips. There will be door prizes, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing, plus entertainment, bounce houses from Chuck and Lori Entertainment, and a chance to help a member of our community. The evening will be fun for the entire family, and it’s an easy way to help share a little love with a family going through a really tough time. Florida’s Blood Centers will be on hand accepting donations of blood, too, so if things are tight and you still want to share, why not consider sharing the gift of life in honor of Steven Balderas and others whose lives depend upon the gift of your blood?

Formed three years ago, the all-volunteer Van Duzer Foundation has raised more than $400,000 to help individuals and families in St. Lucie County who are struggling with financial and personal hardship brought about by unforeseen crisis or tragedy. Recently, the foundation hosted One Day to Give, a 24 hour food drive which garnered 116,922 pounds of food for distribution through Mustard Seed Ministries and the Treasure Coast Food Bank. To learn more about Van Duzer Foundation, please visit the organization’s web site at www.thevanduzerfoundation.org.