Walking and running in memory of Thomas

Walkers, runners and residents flocked to Newbridge Road Park on June 7 for a fundraiser for three local organizations.

The 5K charity walk and run supported three charities: the Thomas Reynolds Foundation, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School and Special Spaces. It was the third run in honor of Reynolds, a North Bellmore resident who battled cancer until he lost his life on Oct. 7, 2011.

The Thomas Reynolds Foundation was formed in honor of the local boy, who was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumor at age 2 and died at age 13. The foundation raises awareness of pediatric ependymoma and funding for ependymoma research.

Lisa Tuminello-Reynolds, the boy’s mother, helped organize the walk/run. She previously told the Herald Life that the biggest part of her son’s life wasn’t his illness, but his character.

“In his short life, Thomas endured more than most of us will in a lifetime with honor, grace and courage,” read a foundation statement. “Pediatric ependymoma robbed Thomas of his life; however, his spirit will continue to live on in all of us.”

Reynolds attended the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School in Bellmore, where monies from the walk/race go toward a scholarship in his honor.

Monies raised were also donated to Special Spaces, a nonprofit organization with chapters across the country that was founded in 2004. The group creates dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Funds were raised through raffle ticket sales, runner registration fees and sponsorships. Many participants wore shirts with Reynolds’s photograph.

Click here for more about Reynolds.