NEW YORK (PIX11) -- For 10-year-old Zoe Leroy of Glen Ridge, N.J., and four-year-old Joshy Ford of Queens, Tuesday was every child's dream: to run the most popular toy store in the city.
Leroy and Ford are cancer survivors and were honored as this year's ambassadors for Stop and Shop's Annual Help Cure Childhood Cancer campaign.
Before opening the doors to the store, these two kids had plenty of time to enjoy the moment, just five minutes to scoop up all the candy they could.
Ford was given a little more time to create his own remote race car.
In a matter of minutes, Ford went from the computer to pressing the remote to see his car rolling across the floor.
For Leroy, every girl's favorite, barbie and an opportunity to select what her doll should wear. What's that moment without a photo to share with her friends? Her smile said it all.
Leroy and Ford were patients at MSK Kids, Memorial Sloan Keithering's pediatric oncology program. He was delighted with the special event.
"The chance to see children like this is the reward for everything I've ever done. This is what it's all about; the chance to see these kids happy and healthy is beyond measure," Ford said.
Zoe's mother was ecstatic.
"In December last year, she was clear and on a survivorship schedule," she said.
Leroy is recovering from a form of muscle cancer. She loved her one-day ambassadorship.
"It's exciting and fun. I'm happy," Leroy said.
Over the past two decades, the campaign has raised $29 million for cancer care and treatment at MSK Kids.
Joshua Ford is so proud of his son.
"Recognizing him as an ambassador is so special for us, for Joshy. He's raising awareness for the campaign that we're doing," he said.
After their visit to Fao Schwarz, the kids and their families were escorted to Rockefeller Center's top of the rock, where the weather wasn't very inviting. But the future for two young cancer patients was as bright as a summer sun.
As part of its annual campaign, until the end of March, customers at Stop and Shop can round out their change at checkout or donate an additional one, three, or five bucks. The proceeds will benefit research efforts at MSK Kids.
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