Hanlon's K9 Dog Training Academy Hosts Benefit to Raise Funds for a Trained Service Dog for Nico Santoli, Two-Year-Old Victim of Rare Childhood Eye Cancer

TOMS RIVER, N.J., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanlon's K9 Dog Training Academy LLC in Toms River, New Jersey will host the Hope #ForNico benefit event to raise funds to donate a trained service dog for Nico Santoli, a two-year-old victim of the rare childhood eye cancer, retinoblastoma. The Hope #ForNico event will be held at the Hanlon's K9 facility in Toms River on Sunday, June 2^nd from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Several local businesses have teamed up with Hanlon's K9 to donate items and services that will be auctioned in a tricky tray event at the benefit. The funds will be used to train a service dog to help Nico with the effects of his disease, and also to help offset the medical costs incurred by the family during Nico's treatment.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130520/PH16402-a )
(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130520/PH16402-b )

Nico Santoli was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on September 14, 2012 and has since undergone extensive treatment for this rapidly developing form of eye cancer. Two-year-old Nico has inspired tens of thousands in the community with his bright spirit and determination despite undergoing intense and excruciating treatment for his condition. His cause has been supported by professional athletes and celebrities alike, along with many in the North Jersey community.

"Our goal with the Hope #ForNico event is to rally the community together to help support this wonderful little boy and his family, and to create awareness of this rare childhood cancer," said Kristen Tedesco of Hanlon's K9 Dog Training Academy LLC. "A trained service dog will be an amazing gift for Nico as he deals with the effects of his condition, and we hope to raise enough money to cover the cost of this dog, and put any extra towards helping his family with medical expenses."

All families and members of the community are invited to attend the Hope #ForNico event. Those in attendance will enjoy free entertainment like face painting and balloon art, along with a DJ and chance to bid on Knicks and Rangers jerseys, Six Flags tickets, and more in the tricky tray auction. Other local sponsors include Honda of Tenafly, Doggie Glamour Treatments, Yaya's Yum Yums, the Lakewood Blue Claws, Brimstones, Popcorn Park Zoo, Easter Seals, and others.

Nico and his father, Domonic Santoli, along with Hanlon's K9 were recently featured on KTU Cares with Cindy Vero. The recorded interview can be found on the KTU.com site.

For more information about the Hope #ForNico event hosted by Hanlon's K9, please visit their website at http://www.hanlonsk9.com. To follow the #ForNico movement, please visit http://www.Facebook.com/ForNicoSantoli.  

Contact: Robert Hanlon
Email
201-600-0818

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SOURCE Hanlon's K9 Dog Training Academy LLC