Bentley Kelley, of Manorville, was granted his wish and received a custom-designed 53-panel solar system donation from SUNation Energy.
The donation aims to offset the Kelley family’s high energy bills, as 12-year-old Bentley Kelley battles a rare form of bone cancer. Diagnosed after a football injury last year, Bentley’s condition has since spread to his lungs, and he has undergone many surgeries recently.
Ronkonkoma-based SUNation partnered with the nonprofit Marty Lyons Foundation of Bay Shore in March to fulfill Bentley’s wish and continues to use solar to help fund wishes.
The mission of the Marty Lyons Foundation is to fulfill the wishes of children ages 3 to 17 who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
For every SUNation installation, the company has pledged a $500 donation to the Marty Lyons Foundation.
“Sitting on the board of the Marty Lyons Foundation has really opened my eyes to what a big impact a small amount of effort can make on a child and their family during a hardship,” said Scott Maskin, co-founder of SUNation. “If I can help bring more awareness to the foundation and put smiles on kids’ faces with solar, I will.”
This solar installation is part of the Suffolk County Solar Up Suffolk Program, which promotes solar energy adoption across the county.
The Town of Brookhaven expedited the permit review and approval process, allowing SUNation to make the donation and installation before peak energy usage season.
SUNation celebrated the solar system donation at the Kelley family home on Wednesday, June 26 at 11 a.m. in Manorville with notable attendees such as Marty Lyons, retired NFL linebacker, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Suffolk County elected officials, and New York Solar Energy Industries Association members.
To learn how going solar can save you money and help grant wishes, go to www.SUNation.com/MLF-partnership.
