Cody’s Fight for Cancer - A Son’s Love

Posted on October 27, 2007
Filed Under Algarve Events

Cody Lee Smart Playing the Piano At any age the idea of loosing a parent is a freighting and emotionally wrenching thought. At the tender age of 9, it must be daunting - yet this is what Cody Lee Smart was faced with.

In 2006, Cody’s mother Yvonne, was diagnosed with breast cancer and although she was successfully treated at home in the UK, Cody was profoundly marked; not only by the possibly of loosing his mother, but by the treatment that saved her. This has driven him to take an unexpected path for a 9 year old - rather than be paralyzed by life’s cruel turn Cody chose to join the fight for cancer research in his own way.

Last year while on holiday in the Algarve, Cody stumbled into the Atlantic Piano Bar in Vilamoura Marina, and asked if he could play. When he explained, he wanted to play the piano to raise funds for cancer so no other child would have to walk his same course, patrons were touched and helped Cody with the first donations.

This past Friday we had the pleasure of not only meeting Cody and his family but also hear him play in Vilamoura. Atlantic, the Piano Bar, where it all started, invited Cody back this time for an organized event to raise money for Breast Cancer Control.

A tiny figure behind a massive piano Cody carried himself like a well-experienced musician who delighted the crowd gathered, to cheer him on. After playing, he mixed with the crowd and excitedly rattled names of his mentors and teachers some of which were clearly also his idols. His light and fresh charm was not only contagious but inspiring, not to mention a testament for personal courage to anyone who meets him.

The event included live music, a raffle and an auction of signed football jerseys by Arsenal, England’s National team and one autographed for the occasion by none other than, Cristiano Ronaldo himself. A total of €3000+ was raised, which will be shared equally by the Princess Alexandra Hospital, UK and the Algarve Oncology Association. We’re hoping this becomes an annual event and more importantly, Cody continues his impassioned fight for cancer and saving lives where ever he goes.

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Comments

5 Responses to “Cody’s Fight for Cancer - A Son’s Love”

Judy on October 28th, 2007 7:20 am

That was so great! How inspiring…Aren’t we all striving to be better people. All this from a 9 year old!
Eddie on October 30th, 2007 10:54 am

Yes, an amazing little guy!
Lucia on October 31st, 2007 2:19 pm

What a great kid ! He´s an inspiration for everybody! What a great future we have with this young adults!
Eddie on November 12th, 2007 5:48 pm

The world needs more Cody’s or we need to hear more about little giants like him, truly inspirational!
Andy Lee on February 29th, 2008 6:18 pm

Many thanks for the great web-site and this wonderful feed-back!
Cody has continued with his fund raising efforts.
He continues to play and sing his Blues and Boogie Woogie to the enjoyment of everyone.
We are due to return to the Algarve later in the year.
If anyone wants to book Cody for any event, please contact us on cabanas@onetel.com

Many thanks
Andy Lee