- May 2, 2024
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A group of friends and family gathered Wednesday, July 25, at the Flagler Beach Library, to dedicate a tree that was planted in memory of Flagler Beach resident Mike “Bowler” Cristello, who died of skin cancer at age 28, in February.
The Sylvester palm, which was planted and donated by Nature Scapes, in Bunnell, is expected to grow to 25 feet tall. A surf board plaque, donated by the Flagler Surf Club, stands next to the palm as a reminder of a young man whom the town loved.
As a reminder of the dangers of skin cancer, Joe Eddy and Dan Sullivan sponsored an essay contest for local children. The subject was about skin cancer, ways to prevent it and statistical data.
“When I heard Joe and Dan were doing the contest, it kind of blew me away,” said Mike’s brother, Nick Cristello.
First-place winners received a trip to surf Typhoon Lagoon, and second place was $75 in merchandise.
“It was a way to honor Bowler and educate the youth on the effects the sun can have,” Sullivan said.
The contest winners for the oldest group were Austin Arnett, first place, and Steph Radu in second. Instead of going to Typhoon Lagoon, both of these winners donated their winning money back to the American Cancer Society.
“A very mature decision, I thought,” Sullivan said.
Other winners were: middle group, first place, Tia Putney; second place, Hannah Blevins; youngest group, first place, Breaden Kopec; and second place, Cole Casper.
Winning excerpt
“ … Don’t forget that cancer isn’t going to be completely preventable. Remember that cancer is a serious disease, and hundreds die every day, and one of my beloved friends is gone from this horrible disease.
Taking precautions does reduce the chances of getting cancer, especially melanoma, the fifth most common cancer to man and the sixth to women. Melanoma is a very fast spreading cancer. In days, Bowler got it in different parts of his body.
Metastatic melanoma is a very serious disease that is responsible for taking a young man’s life. Bowler was too young to die, but melanoma sees no age. The consequences are real. … ”
- Austin Arnett, first place winner
