Students dressed in green hit the track at Floral Park Memorial High School in a walk to support one of their favorite teachers and to raise awareness to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
A Walk for Ethan was organized for the son of Floral Park English teacher Dustin Demmers. Five-year-old Ethan was diagnosed with DMD, a genetic disorder which causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, in November 2013. Since the diagnosis, the school has held several events to raise funds to help the family with costs not covered by their health insurance.
“We organized this walk to show our ongoing support,” Principal Kathleen Sotille said. “Our friend lives with this every day.”
More than $2,000 was raised through the purchase of neon green bracelets, which read,“Fighting for a Cure,” and from faculty members, who paid for a dress-down day to help support the family. Demmers said he is overwhelmed by the continued support of students, faculty and staff.
“It seems to make everything easier to face with the warmth and love of this community,” Demmers said. “Seeing them smile makes me smile.”
— From the Sewanhaka Central High School District
