Helen’s Run/Walk
On Sunday April 19th, The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults in Sands Point will be hosting their annual “Helen’s Run/Walk.” The 5K/3.1 mile event, which benefits individuals who are deaf-blind, will be held at the beautiful Sands Point Preserve. So far, over $10,000 has been raised. The walk/run is a great way to get your exercise in and support a great cause, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone! The proceeds from this year’s event will be used directly to renovate the rooms in the Peter J. Salmon Residence Hall on HKNC’s Sands Point campus.
This year’s sponsors include Harding Real Estate, Silent Call Communication, Rotary International, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Daniel Gale Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty, Publisher’s Clearing House, Roslyn Savings Bank, and Boar’s Head. There are quite a few teams registered as well, so if you’re considering walking or running along with the others, now’s the time to get your registration information in. This year will mark the 17th run/walk event, and it is the hope of all involved to make it the grandest to date. There were over 200 attendees to last year’s event, with the anticipation of over 300 walkers and runners for this year.
Of special note this year is the addition of the “Miles for Megan” team, which is being captained by HKNC’s development associate and Hicksville resident, Lori Bookstaver. Lori, who has been a staff member of HKNC for many years, chose to walk in celebration of her daughter, Megan, whose life tragically ended in 2013. Megan, who had a zest for life that was only overshadowed by her desire to change the world and help people and animals, was a beautiful woman whose wonderful life touched so many others. When Lori chose the name for her team, she realized that Megan’s joy and excitement for life continued to live on in herself and others who loved her. Lori’s goal was to walk in her daughter’s honor and memory, in order to celebrate the glorious life that is Megan’s legacy.
The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (or HKNC) is operated by the Helen Keller Services for the Blind. It is the only national program that comprehensively provides information, support, training and referrals to youths and adults who are deaf-blind. Located in Sands Point, the residential based program provides evaluations, short-term rehabilitation and vocational training for those with a deaf-blind disability, as well as provide assistance for locating employment, housing and community resources in their home states. The HKNC’s Community Services Program in New York provides rehab, vocational and supportive services to deaf-blind individuals in their homes and at worksites, as well as in their communities.
For those interested in obtaining services, it is important to note that field services include 11 regional offices, with over 40 affiliated agencies. Senior adult services are also available. Professional training seminars are available and are conducted on both campuses and in the community setting. It is important to note that HKNC maintains a national registry for each and every individual who is deaf-blind.
Registration and check-in for the event in April will take place between 7:45 am and 9:00 am. The Annual Helen’s Run/Walk will take place rain or shine, so be sure to dress accordingly. If you are interested in participating in the HKNC Helen’s Run/Walk, or if you want to donate to a specific team, please contact Marina Carroll at 516-833-8310 or marina.carroll@hknc.org . You can also obtain information, pledge a donation, or volunteer by visiting www.hknc.org or www.helenkeller.org.
