For Nora Dollard this walk was unlike any other.
Though she had often participated in other fundraisers, this time it was different – her five-year-old Sarah had just been diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes – and as a mom, she is determined to do whatever it takes to help her daughter.
“Now it’s more personal,” said Dollard, of Middle Village, who, after some research, formed the team “Sarah’s Superstars.”
Wearing red T-shirts, the group of family and friends – led by Sarah herself – marched with 2,000 to 2,500 others in the Third Annual South Queens Juvenile Diabetes Walk-A-Thon to Cure Diabetes on Saturday, June 4.
“I know she [Sarah] is supported, she is not alone,” said Dollard.
Organized by the International Society of Saints Cosma and Damiano, the walk began in the schoolyard of the Ave Maria Catholic Academy with costumed characters like Mr. Met and Sparky, face painting, balloon artists, fun and games.
Elected officials, local leaders and special guests Goomba Johnny from WKTU; Tony Sirico (“Paulie Walnuts” from “The Sopranos”); and relief pitcher Pedro Beato from the NY Mets also came out for the walk, which, as of Tuesday, June 7, had raised $100,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
“It’s wonderful to see so many people,” said Goomba Johnny. “This walk is like no other event. The local Howard Beach community has rallied around this walk.”
And rally they did.
Joe De Candia, President of the Society, announced that the students, faculty and parents of Ave Maria raised $10,000 leading up to the event. His wife, Doreen, in charge of fundraising at the school, spearheaded the effort through her support and dedication.
“Having even one person in our school affected is too many,” said Maria Cuomo, principal.
Other schools that participated were P.S. 207, St. Rose of Lima, St. Elizabeth, Divine Mercy, St. Helen’s, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hoy Child, Scholars Academy, P.S. 114, 137, 210, 223, 202 and 146.
Local families also took up the cause – the Haggerty family set up a lemonade stand in front of their home and raised $500 for the JDRF – and even Fed Ex donated $2,500.
“What a great job Joe De Candia and the Society has done,” said Joe Mure, Treasurer of the New York Chapter of JDRF, who introduced the walk’s co-captains, Jacob Levine, Joseph Russo, Vincent Gurino and Michael Mure. “These kids are the reason we do this.”
Following a blessing by Father Anthony Rucando of Our Lady of Grace, the release of white doves and the cutting of the ribbon, it was that many steps closer to a cure.
“I think it’s great,” said De Candia. “The walk is growing and hopefully we get more and more people every year.”
To learn more or to find out how you can help, visit www.jdrf.org.
