Bethel Park junior creates smiles for ill children

Even after two brain surgeries, Sean Rovers never stopped smiling. Now, he’s making sure other kids facing medical challenges have a reason to smile, too.

Sean, 17, a junior at Bethel Park High School, was diagnosed in 2017 with a rare form of brain cancer known as intracranial myxoid mesenchymal — a type of CNS sarcoma. He was just 9 years old at the time.

After undergoing his first tumor resection on Oct. 24 that year, Sean spent two weeks in the hospital. The tumor eventually returned, forcing him to undergo a second surgery and a course of radiation. Despite the grueling treatments, Sean’s optimism never wavered.

Motivated by the experience, Sean and his mom, Maria Rovers, decided to help bring joy to other families going through similar struggles. Together, they launched Smiles From Sean, a nonprofit dedicated to brightening the days of children dealing with serious medical conditions.

One of their most beloved efforts is the annual Easter Basket Project, which began in 2020 during the early days of the covid-19 pandemic. The mother-son duo started assembling and delivering colorful baskets filled with toys and gift cards to children who are ill — and always make sure to include any siblings, too.

On April 6, Maria and Sean Rovers, along with volunteers, put together 57 Easter baskets at Bethel Park’s Independence Middle School. The organization partnered with National Junior Honor Society students. Maria and Sean Rovers delivered the baskets over the course of two weeks leading up to Easter on April 20.

For those recipients who request a personal Easter Bunny visit, Sean dresses up in a full Easter Bunny costume when he arrives at the door. For others, members of the Smiles From Sean team deliver the baskets.