Lynbrook officials and residents gathered outside Village Hall on Sept. 14 to light a tree gold in recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and the Mary Ruchalski Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research.
Following the ceremony, Mayor Alan Beach issued a proclamation designating September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in Lynbrook.
The foundation raises awareness and supports pediatric cancer research, provides assistance to children undergoing treatment and their families, and supports educational and recreational organizations that Mary loved.
Trustee Anne Marie Tolle Reardon spoke about the importance of continued research and the impact pediatric cancer has had on local families.
“Pediatric cancer hits every community, our youngest neighbors, and it’s difficult,” Reardon said. “There has to be more. We have to give them better options.”
Reardon also emphasized the community’s continued support for families affected by the disease, including those within Lynbrook.
“I love that we as a community, we as a board, we as Lynbrook really do embrace the awareness and the importance, especially when our own employees’ kids have been affected, our neighbors,” she said.
Residents are also encouraged to participate by displaying golden lanterns throughout the community. The lanterns are available for pickup at North Star Auto Body & Collision, with their cost covered by a local donor.
The foundation welcomes additional donations from residents who wish to support pediatric cancer research and families affected by the disease.
“I thank everyone every year for supporting the lighting of the tree and just remembering how important it is,” Reardon said.
