The NEO family puts on a spooky extravaganza to raise money for a child with cancer

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio – It’s the spookiest time of the year and one family is using it to help others.

The Mallis family loves Halloween.

Mark Mallis has been slowly building up his Halloween spectacle in the front yard since 2018.

He explained that the display started out very tiny and then grew to a size that took up his entire lawn and even part of his neighbor’s lawn. He estimates the decorations have cost him about $10,000 over the years.

“I try to make it more fun with the children. Not that scary. I add new things every year. I keep saying I’m done, but every year I add more. “I’m running out of both space and storage here,” Mark said.

From store-bought animatronics to DIY props, her lawn comes with plenty of family goods. The exhibition will be fully completed by October 1st and will remain available until November 7th.

“It generated a lot more traffic,” Mark said.

With the attraction growing, Mark said he and his family decided to do something different this year.

“We decided to donate it to a good cause this year with the charity,” Mark explained. “We decided to select a local resident. We heard about a local family who were going through a difficult time. When we heard about it, we immediately knew: let’s take over the charity. We wanted to do it straight away.”

It’s called “Monster Mashing for Walter.”

Who is Walter?

He is a 5-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer, also known as high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma.

“We met Walter’s family two years ago. My daughter went to preschool with one of Walter’s sisters,” Mark said. “Hopefully we can all rally behind Walter and his family during this difficult time and hope he gets through it.”

Walter spent his fifth birthday in the hospital where he had just begun his first round of chemotherapy at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.

Mark said he understands how full a parent’s plate can get and wanted to take some of the pressure off Walter’s family.

“We are grateful to everyone who has donated so far and it just shows in a world where you hear so much negativity, there is so much kindness and people want to do the right thing,” he added.

A GoFundMe has been created, and now the Mallis family is using their PG-rated spooky exhibit as a platform for visitors to help Walter’s family during this difficult time.

“There is so much support out there. We wish you all the best. Keep fighting. There is lots of support for you. A lot of people are behind you. And for anyone who comes by or wants to donate, every dollar helps. We understand that times are tough. Keep Walter and his family in your thoughts and prayers. It’s the least we can all do,” Mark said.

If you are interested in donating to Walter’s GoFundMe, CLICK HERE.

According to Mark, 100% of the proceeds will be used for medical costs, living expenses and any unforeseen expenses.

While the Mallis family doesn’t spend as much at Christmas as they do at Halloween, they are also considering using their display for charity.

“I do enough decorations. Not nearly like that. I enjoy this because I could take it on and off in shorts and a t-shirt. “It’s not fun in January when it’s wet and cold, but it’s definitely possible,” he noted.

Mark said his family plans to use their annual Halloween display as a platform for new charitable causes in the future.

To enjoy this year’s Mallis Family Halloween display, please visit 10245 Log Cabin Court in Brecksville.