By Nicole Falco
Through "The Gift of Life," a non-profit organization started by the Manhasset Rotary Club 27 years ago, students in the Interact Club, which is made up of junior Rotarians, and Students Against Drunk Driving, will raise money to bring a child who is in need of heart surgery to Long island and "host" the child and his or her family while they are here.
The Gift of Life, now an effort of Rotary International, is made up of doctors, businesspeople and entrepreneurs who donate their time, skill and money to helping children with heart problems, who would otherwise not be able to afford the surgeries necessary to save their lives.
The Gift of Life receives 50,000 requests from children in need from around the world. The organization is able to help approximately 150 children a year by raising money to bring the children and their families to one of 100 participating hospitals in the United States, providing free medical attention and post-operative care.
In order to be eligible for the "gift," the patient must be under 18 years old and be unable to pay for the heart surgery they require, but, at the same time, have an excellent chance of survival if they undergo an operation. Heart operations cost an average of $250,000.
"It is a super, super statement for North High School to save a kid's life," said Dan Wiener, a Valley Stream Rotary Club member, who also volunteers with The Gift of Life. "I don't know about you, but I'm selfish. I get such a thrill inside holding a child that I know I had something to do with the reason why they are alive today."
Wiener, owner of Brothers Aluminum on Merrick Road, came to North to thank the Interact and SADD students and to explain the process of helping a child.
According to Wiener, The Gift of Life's only paid employee is a secretary. All others involved, from the doctors who perform the surgeries to the caravan that meets the children and their families at the airport, does it for free. The money raised goes toward travel expenses and insurance costs.
In order to sponsor a child, Interact and SADD have pledged to raise $5,000. Rotary District 7250, which includes Rotaries from Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau, including the Valley Stream Rotary, will match the $5,000 and Rotary International will again match the money for a total of $20,000, Wiener explained.
Bob Thornton, an administrative associate at North and president of the Valley Stream Rotary, said the Rotary is looking forward to getting more involved with the students and has already given $250 to get the clubs off to a good start. To raise the rest, the students solicited pledges and held a walk-a-thon on Nov. 7. Throughout the year, other fund-raisers are planned including a bake sale and bowl-a-thon.
"They're [members of Interact] because they are the type of people who want to help. They want to make a difference," said Michelle Puleo, Interact co-advisor. Teacher Kelli O'Donohue is Interact's other advisor and teacher Lisa Livigni advises SADD.
In addition to The Gift of Life, Interact students also hold food and clothing drives, participate in a bingo night and dinner party for senior citizens at Franklin Hospital Medical Center's Orzac Geriatric Division and raise money for Ronald McDonald House.
Raising enough money to sponsor a child will take time, but the students will get the chance to "host" the next "gift of life" child that is brought to either St. Francis Hospital or Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Wiener said. "Hosting" includes meeting the child at the airport and visiting with them and their family while they are here. Although some children are from the United States, many are foreign.
"I just really like the whole idea," said Steven Schiacca, a sophomore and Interact member. "It makes me feel good inside to know that we'll be a part of this person's living."
Sophomore Andrew Fanelli, Interact's treasurer, is looking forward to meeting the child and his or her family.
"When you come the [family] will see someone who cares," Fanelli said. "They will know they are not there alone. They will know that other people are aware of their problems and are willing to help."
According to senior Laura Balaban, Interact's vice president, "This is the most important thing I think we have done."
Anyone interested in helping Interact and SADD raise money for The Gift of Life can make a check payable to the "Valley Stream North High School Interact Club." Checks can be mailed to the Interact Club c/o North High School, 750 Herman Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010.
