Making strides against Cystic Fibrosis

Supporters of Team Shenanigans.

Courtesy Tara Byrne

John J.J. Byrne celebrates with his favorite dessert.

Courtesy Tara Byrne

Left to right Briann Nappi, Jenna Miley, Deanna Gonzalez, Nina Alleva, Alison Gidwill and Bianca Hayes, in front John “J.J.” Byrne and Andrew Bacigalupo

Courtesy Tara Byrne

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A crowd of supporters came out to cheer John “J.J.” Byrne, who has Cystic Fibrosis, as he walked with Team Shenanigans on June 7, as part of the 2015 Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides walk. He was able to reach his goal of $7500. In the past Team Shenanigans has raised over $20,000 to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, with the support of his family, friends and community.

In 2013 Byrne accompanied a delegation from Island Park to Washington D.C., to ask Congress for monies to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. At the Island Park train station parking lot, during a pre-trip press conference with County Executives Ed Mangano and Steve Bellone and County Legislator Denise Ford, he called on Congress to “Stop the Shenanigans,” and fund Sandy relief.

Since then he as run for office in Island Park schools under the Team Shenanigans banner, and organized Team Shenanigans for the Great Strides Walk.

According to the Mayo Clinic “Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. Recent improvements in screening and treatments mean most people with cystic fibrosis now live into their 20s and 30s, and some are living into their 40s and 50s.” There is no cure.

If you want to contribute you can donate at http://bit.ly/1KnA4Gh.