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VOL. 74 NO. 40
Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center 149 Schleigel Blvd, Amityville, NY 11701
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Page 3 SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2025
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9/11 Memorial ceremony at Cedar Beach By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Mike Polansky/Herald
Shown are Oyster Bay Town Councilmen Tom Hand and Andrew Monteleone, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato who were among those in attendance for the town’s 9/11 services.
Nearly 500 people gathered for the Town of Oyster Bay’s annual 9/11 Memorial and Walls of Honor Ceremony, honoring the memory of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and the residents who later died from 9/11-related illnesses. The event, held at TOBAY Beach, included a large turnout of firefighters, first responders and elected officials. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino served as master of ceremonies and emphasized unity and resilience in his remarks. “As Americans, we stand united,” Saladino said. “There is no question about that. Through our belief in freedom and democracy, and through remembrance ceremonies such as tonight, we send a clear message that we will not be defeated—not then, not now, not ever.” The town’s 9/11 Memorial bears the names of residents who perished in the attacks. The adjacent Walls of Honor continues to expand each year, commemorating those who died from illnesses linked to exposure at Ground Zero. Names newly added to the Walls of Honor in 2024 included Kenneth B. Campbell, Court Cousins, Peter F. DiSilvio, Arthur George Kaiser, Charles Anthony Langone, Timothy T. Motto and Richard L. Ruiz Sr. The names were read aloud by Sarah Motto, daughter of Timothy T. Motto. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Massapequa family rallies for daughter diagnosed with rare disease By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
cbabirad@liherald.com
For six joyful months, Kaitlin and Gerard Norton lived every new parent’s dream. Their baby girl, Madeline, was healthy and thriving. But after a routine wellness visit, the Massapequa couple received a phone call that changed everything. Madeline had tested positive for a rare genetic condition called PKAN — Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration — a progressive neurological disorder that slowly robs children of their ability to walk, talk and eventually, live independently. There is no cure. “Classic” PKAN, the form Madeline has, is often
fatal before age 10. “We noticed some stiffness but never imagined it would lead to something like this,” Kaitlin said. Now 9 months old, Madeline is still showing no major symptoms. She loves Mickey Mouse, food, and playing with her dogs, Dasher and Bear. Her days include visits to the local library and coffee shop with her parents — quiet moments that have taken on new meaning. Rather than retreat, the Nortons are choosing to fight. Kaitlin, 29, and Gerard, 32, launched “Madeline’s Mission,” a social media and fundraising campaign to raise awareness and support for PKAN research. Their GoFundMe has raised more than $55,000 toward a $100,000 goal.
“Every time you talk about it, it does reopen some wounds,” Kaitlin said. “But this is how we’re going to find a cure.” Charlie Mackie, president of the Massapequa Historical Society and Madeline’s grandfather, said that the slow progression of the disease will give scientists time to hopefully come up with genetic therapy. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9