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Vol. 73 No. 39
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State funding for research
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Mother seeks help to save her toddler
el back and forth between Boston and New York,” Giantasio said. “I have to provide a lot of Seaford resident Daniella expenses up front to care for Giantasio is desperately seek- her. I was told I might have to ing to raise money to help relocate to Boston for up to a cover the cost of life-saving kid- year because she needs both ney surgery for her 21-month- kidneys removed and they need old daughter, Mia. to follow her very closely with Mia was bor n the kidney transwith multiple rare plant team.” health conditions, Michelle Dowlincluding renal ing, a nurse coordiartery stenosis, a nator for the renonarrowing of one or vascular hy-pertenboth arteries that sion group at Bossupply blood to the ton Children’s, has kidneys, and aneuwo rke d cl o s e ly rysms — a dangerwith Mia’s family. ous combination She explained that that has caused lastthe Giantasios ing damage to both were refer red to of her kidneys. Due the hospital from a to the severity of local New York proher condition, docvider in December. t o r s h ave d e t e r- DANIEllA “The reason she mined Mia must GIANTASIo was initially reundergo surgery to ferred to us was Seaford mom remove both kidbecause she had neys and eventually something in her be the recipient of a kidney brain that I’m not super-familtransplant. iar with, which she had surFor treatment, the family gery for,” Dowling said. “Then travels regularly between Sea- when they did some imaging, ford and Boston Children’s Hos- they found an aneurysm on one pital, a nationally recognized of her arteries in her leg. leader in pediatric kidney care. “Doctors initially thought “Financially, it’s been very she had narrowing in her kiddifficult because I have to trav-
By DENIVIA RIVERA
Intern
Steve Sachs /Herald
Doing their part against diabetes Participants of all ages gathered at Cedar Creek Park on Sept. 13 for the fifth annual Team DRI Walk, Run or Ride, to raise money for and awareness of Type 1 diabetes research. The event offered two-legged and two-wheeled options along a scenic route to Jones Beach State Park. Story, more photos, Page 3.
One grand marshal wasn’t enough Fire Department chosen to lead ’26 St. Patrick’s Day Parade By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
For the past five years, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce has chosen a community member who has made a difference to serve as grand marshal of one of Long Island’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades. This year, one person wasn’t enough — the honor went to an entire department. At the chamber’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Sept. 18 at Mulcahy’s, officials announced that the Wantagh Fire Department will be next year’s collective grand marshal. The event included community members, local officials, Fire Department personnel and a performance by the Wantagh American Legion Pipe and Drum Band. The department was represented by 1st Assistant Chief Bill Stevens, 2nd Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann and 3rd Assistant Chief Chris Dolley. Being asked to lead next year’s parade, Stevens said, is an honor. “We’ve worked hand in hand with the cham-
ber the past few parades,” Stevens said. “We’re just honored to be recognized as grand marshals.” Chamber President Cathy McGrory Powell said the organization chose the entire department so as not to single out any one member, given that all respond in an emergency. “They’re the unsung heroes of the community,” McGrory Powell said. “You may not notice them, but you know you want them there when you need them, and they’re there.” The department has protected the community for well over a century, having been founded in December 1899. (Last year it marked its 125th anniversary.) From its early days as a small volunteer group using bucket brigades, it has grown into a modern department with about 200 members. Covering an area of two dozen square miles, including Jones Beach State Park and Tobay Beach, the department responds to a wide range of emergencies, from fires to water rescues. McGrory Powell said that it now operates out Continued on page 10
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inancially, it’s been very difficult, because I have to travel back and forth between Boston and New York.
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