Roslyn Heights resident Richard Evans will be a star attraction at the Second Annual Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation Walk for Life, held on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow.
Evans is a Gift of Life donor. He will be featured at the event along with his recipient Danny Raskin of Bethpage. There, the two will share their inspirational stories. Evans swabbed in 2000 at the Community Synagogue in Port Washington. The two met for the first time at the 2002 Gift of Life Gala in New York City.
“This annual walk is a critical fundraising initiative for Gift of Life, but the best part is getting to celebrate with these bone marrow transplant recipients,” said Marti Freund, Public Affairs manager.
A unique aspect of the event, Freund said, includes the 10-year and five-year celebrations at the event by two recipients of bone marrow transplants. Ten years ago, Brian Hagler, from Woodmere, underwent a blood stem cell transplant. In addition, Joe Nightingale of Massapequa is celebrating his 5th year anniversary after a bone marrow transplant following his leukemia diagnosis.
Walk for Life is the only 5K event on Long Island that is solely dedicated to raising awareness for bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants. Gift of Life uses funds raised at the Walk for Life to add new donors to the worldwide bone marrow registry. Registering one volunteer donor through a simple swab process costs $60. Every year, 100 percent of all net proceeds raised at the Walk are used to add new donors to the worldwide bone marrow registry. The 2014 fundraising goal is $50,000. Sponsorships are also available.
Males and females in good health between the ages of 18 and 60 are eligible to be screened and join the worldwide registry for patients in need. A simple swab from the inside of your cheek is all it takes to determine if you are a match.
Cost for the 5K Walk for Life is $30 for advanced registration, and $35 the day of the event. Children and students can participate for $15.
For more information, contact Marti Freund at 516-982-2900 or mfreund@giftoflife.org.
