Thursday, October 1, 2026
On May 6, village resident Rob Dell’Unto will participate in the RXR Long Island Marathon along with his team of more than 120 runners in support of research on Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 births and can lead to learning disabilities, feeding problems and an unusual facial appearance.
Dell’Unto co-founded Team WSA in 2009 in honor of his 6-year-old daughter, Julia, and his friend Rob Schiff’s 6-year-old son, Evan. Julia was diagnosed at 3 months with Williams Syndrome and at just one year, underwent surgery and started intervention services for speech, physical therapy and special education.
“We were very overwhelmed at first,” Dell’Unto said. “We found out about the Williams Syndrome Association and formed a great network of folks dealing with many of the same issues we were faced with.”
The week of May 6 is the 30th anniversary of the National Williams Syndrome Association and more than 80 events will take place around the country. Team WSA’s run will be one of the largest events of the week.
In its third year, Team WSA has grown to 121 runners and it has already raised more than $27,000 toward its goal of $30,000. According to Dell’Unto, the team has received tremendous support from the CrossFit516 gym in Mineola, while Prime Caterers in Garden City and Atwell Brothers Tent Rentals in Rockville Centre have agreed to support an “after party” with tents, chairs and food to thank the runners and donors at Dell’Unto’s home.
Those interested in learning more about Williams Syndrome can visit http://www.williams-syndrome.org/. Those wishing to make a donation to TEAM WSA can visit its fundraising page, http://www.williams-syndrome.org/li-team-wsa and select a runner to support.
