By Laura Lane
The testing was offered the past two Saturdays to students from Grand and Merrick Avenue middle schools, and additional testing in scheduled for this Saturday.
The students received the testing free of charge thanks to the Jason F. Gruen Research Foundation. The organization was founded by Merokean Susan Helsinger to honor her son Jason Gruen, who died when he was a sophomore as he walked into Manhasset High School, unaware that he had a heart condition.
"This was a dream come true for me," said Helsinger. "It was very heartwarming to see cars and cars lined up as people brought their children to be tested. We had tremendous community support."
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District notified parents of middle-school students by mail about the testing program. Helsinger said she never dreamed that so many children would want to participate. "We added two more testing days so that all of the children could be tested," said Helsinger. "The parents were overwhelmingly supportive; some gave the foundation donations."
Technicians were on hand from Schneider Children's Hospital at Long Island Jewish/North Shore University Hospital to test the eighth-graders. Then the results were taken to the hospital to be read by pediatric cardiologists, who will notify parents of the results.
Saul Lerner, the Central District's athletics director, was encouraged by the number of students who participated. "It's been more than a success; it's been fabulous," said Lerner. "If the funding continues to be there, we can do it even more."
Helsinger said the funding will be available. The district has asked her to return next fall to offer the testing once again.
Comments about this story? Llane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
