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Vol. 29 No. 16
APRIl 16 - 22, 2026
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Hope grows for research Bill will help push research forward but for all research facilities and small businesses that were looking for that funding.” Jedlicka’s 5-year-old son, A Mer rick father who feared his young son could lose whose name he declined to proaccess to a potentially lifesav- vide, was diagnosed last year ing treatment is now express- with KBG syndrome, a rare i n g re l i e f a f t e r C o n g re s s genetic disorder associated passed legislation to restore with developmental delays, seicritical medical research fund- zures and other health chaling, sending the bill to Presi- lenges. A Long Island Citydent Donald based lab is workTrump for final ing to develop a approval. personalized treatAndrew Jedlicment for him, ka, an adjunct prothough the process fessor and consulis still in its early tant who has lived phases. in Mer rick since The potential 2014, spent months closure of that lab advocating for the earlier this year reauthorization of ANDREw jEDlIckA prompted Jedlicka the Small Business Merrick parent to travel to WashI n n o v a t i o n ington, D.C., durResearch and Small ing Rare Disease Business TechnoloWe e k , wh e r e h e g y Transfer promet with lawmakg rams, known as ers and their staff SBIR/STTR. T he to advocate for resfunding had lapsed in October toration of the funding. 2025, putting at risk laboratoHe credited Rep. Laura Gilries and small businesses con- len, who represents Merrick, ducting experimental medical along with U.S. Sen. Chuck research. Schumer’s team and Rep. Gus “I was extremely excited Bilirakis, for helping move the and filled with g ratitude,” legislation forward. Jedlicka said. “Not just for my “I spoke directly and met son and the lab that’s trying to with Congresswoman Gillen in help treat his genetic disorder,
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
I
Courtesy Gemma Maroney
Joseph Maroney, an 18-year-old Mepham High School senior, was an avid lacrosse player. He is remembered for his leadership, kindness and steady presence both on and off the field.
Joseph Maroney, Mepham senior, remembered for courage, kindness By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Joseph Patrick Maroney, an 18-year-old senior at Wellington C. Mepham High School, died April 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with a secondary cancer. He was the oldest of 10 siblings and a lifelong resident of North Bellmore. Born July 17, 2007, Maroney was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 6 in November 2013. He underwent a bone marrow transplant and entered remission, remaining cancer-free for more than a decade. In January 2025, Maroney was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive sarcoma known as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
The cancer primarily affected his abdomen and required multiple surgeries, with complications continuing throughout his treatment. Despite his illness, Maroney was remembered as consistently positive, selfless and deeply devoted to his family. “He was amazing. He was always very happy, very easygoing. He never complained about any of it,” his mother, Gemma Maroney, said. Gemma Maroney said her son’s identity was rooted in his role as an older brother in a large family. “He was the oldest of my 10 children,” she said. “He was always very helpful at home, just an amazing big brother and friend to Continued on page 5
was extremely excited and filled with gratitude.
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