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Englewood Parents Launch #SmileThruIt Campaign Honoring Son, 4

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Evan Levy never complained.

Evan Levy is being honored through a #SmileThruIt campaign established by his parents.

Evan Levy is being honored through a #SmileThruIt campaign established by his parents.

Photo Credit: Andrew Levy
Moshe and Renee Klyman practice kettle bell swings with their two sons.

Moshe and Renee Klyman practice kettle bell swings with their two sons.

Photo Credit: Facebook
Evan smiles through it with a snack.

Evan smiles through it with a snack.

Photo Credit: Instagram

The 4-year-old Englewood native was poked and prodded with needles and greeted by strangers in the middle of the night.

He endured five brain surgeries, dozens of chemotherapy treatments and countless nights away from home in the hospital.

Up until a brain tumor claimed his life last December, Evan smiled through it all. The youngster’s parents have launched a #SmileThruIt campaign to keep the momentum of their son’s spirit going.

“The world was a better place with Evan,” his father, Andrew Levy, said. “It’s devastating and tragic not only to our family but to all those who knew him."

As part of the #SmileThruIt campaign, Tenafly’s Underground Training will be holding a powerlifting competition on May 22 at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $100 and business sponsorships are $26.

The competition was organized by gym owner Moshe Klyaman of Englewood whose wife, Renee Levy Klyman, grew up sharing backyards with Andrew Levy.

“When it comes to helping children people just need to be aware,” said Klyman, a Teaneck native who raised approximately $10,000 last year for a Paramus police officer whose 5-year-old daughter conquered her battle with leukemia. “People need to know what other people are going through.”

Seeing the community’s effort has been humbling for Levy.

"The amount of charity given and the kindness performed in Evan's memory is astounding," Levy said. 

“I know Evan had a tremendous effect on people when he was living and it’s very meaningful to us to know that he continues to have a meaningful impact on people even though he’s physically not with us.”

Underground Training is located at 20 Chestnut St., in Tenafly.

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