By Laura Lane
A year ago, he was even forced to leave his Bellmore home of 31 years to live in a handicapped accessible home in Point Lookout.
"Dad continues to get worse every year," said John M., 34, who moved to Merrick in 1999. "His symptoms have progressed very quickly. He first started getting sick when I was in high school, but it was when I got back from college that I realized just how sick he was. It was tough."
As difficult as his life has been, John's father has refused to give up. A former high school mathematics teacher and administrator, he was always active, even coaching his children in soccer.
In 1995, John's father was forced to retire, with the disease making it impossible for him to continue. Refusing to sit at home, he got a job at Math Olympiads as the chief financial officer.
John and Jeanine have always been available to help their father. But when offering help wasn't enough, they found a way to make a bigger contribution.
Six years ago, the siblings took part for the first time in the MS 150 Twin Forks Bike Tour, which will take place this year from Sept. 15 to 17.
"We felt helpless before getting involved," John said. "I'm not a biker, so I'm not participating for the love of biking. For me, it's about the love of trying to help my father."
The Lufrano family was first introduced to the bike tour in 2000 when an aunt participated. "Seven years ago, it was a one-day ride, with less mileage," John said. "When I went there, I saw how everyone was so supportive; the atmosphere was great."
The following year, the brother and sister signed up and experienced their first tour. Then, in 2002, they decided to form Team Lufrano and worked hard to get sponsorships for the 20 members.
"We're so confident that this will make a difference in my father's life, whether the money raised provides an alternate therapy or someone for my father to talk to when he does his teleconferencing, which he does to help others with MS," Jeanine explained. "I want to try to help my Dad and other people like him. There are people with MS who can't go to work like my Dad can."
Jeanine is pregnant, making her unable to ride this year. So, she's taken on the task of finding sponsors for Team Lufrano.
"I sent out 30 letters to businesses who know my Dad and his situation and to local people I know," Jeanine said. "I ordered the team T-shirts, which my brother's company pays for each year. And every day I'm checking to see how we're doing with the funding. It's inspiring to do this."
So far, Team Lufrano has raised $18,000. They are a tight group that include other Lufrano extended family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
"We train together on weekends and have get-togethers, too," Lufrano said. "When I ask members to ride 150 miles, I feel responsible for them, their health and well-being. People do usually return the next year."
John L. said he couldn't be prouder of his children. He'll be working at the camp on Shelter Island to help when the riders camp out for the night. And he'll be lending his support and encouragement too.
"I've got terrific kids," John said. "I wasn't surprised that they got involved in the bike tour; it just surprised me how involved they got. It's a great weekend for us -- for our family."
To join Team Lufrano, contribute, or obtain information, check out teamlufrano.com or nmsslig.org.
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
