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RA delegates passed the hat on two separate occasions, raising more than $11,000 to benefit two diverse causes.
NYSUT Exemplary Community Service Award recipient Christopher Pendergast roused the giving spirit in delegates when he spoke honestly and eloquently about his 15-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the legendary Yankee hero. Pendergast, a former NYSUT member stricken with the disease at age 44, founded Ride for Life Inc., to raise research funds in search of a cure for the fatal disease.
Although he is unable to walk or move his arms and must eat through a feeding tube and use a
ventilator at night, Pendergast said he refuses to give up and remains hopeful a cure will be found.
“I choose to fight and die publicly and not let ALS kill me or my spirit,” Pendergast said. “The
only doubt medical science has is ‘when’ a cure will be found. Knowing we may be close has made my struggle worthwhile. … ‘I am a lucky man.’”
For more on the fight for a cure, go to www.rideforlife.com.
Music to the ears
An inspired performance by the Central Islip High School Concert Choir, and a hint of their fund-raising woes, was all it took to get a collection started.
The choir, under the direction of NYSUT member John Anthony, is hoping to raise enough money to tour Italy, including a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the Vatican.
Further donations can be sent to Central Islip HS Concert Choir, Attn. Director John Anthony, 85 Wheeler Road, Central Islip, NY 11722.
Make checks payable to the CIHS Choir.
— Karen L. Mattison