During her two decades of teaching special education students at Roslyn High School, Stephanie Altman helped to set many young people on the right path in life. As many parents in the Roslyn area will attest, Altman did so with patience and understanding and above all, with great dedication to her profession.
Now, Altman and her family are in need of help from her fellow Roslynians. Several years ago, Altman suffered a stroke, which resulted in paralysis and aphasia. According to friends, Altman has made tremendous progress, but she still needs to pursue specialized therapies. Those therapies, her friends added, are available only at two places: the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
On Thursday, May 14, a fundraiser will be held at Jewel by Tom Schaudel, 400 Broadhollow Rd., Melville. The purpose is to raise funds for HelpHOPElive, a nonprofit organization helping the Altman’s raise the funds to obtain these needed therapies.
The cost is $125 per ticket. The event, which lasts from 6 to 9 p.m., includes live music, silent and live auctions, a fashion show from Viral fashion and raffles from all major local restaurants and stores. For dining enjoyment, the fundraiser will include delectable food from various local restaurants and vendors. In addition, wines provided by many of Long Island’s top vineyards will be served.
It has been four years since Altman suffered her stroke. At the time, doctors were highly pessimistic about any kind of recovery. But Altman has shown the same determination she had as a teacher. She has been able to communicate and has long set her sights on a full recovery, all to the point where she can return to her teaching job.
The May 14 event represents the second major fundraising for Altman. In 2014, the Roslyn School District held a fashion show fundraiser and Roslyn High School students have raised money through a “cups for change” program.
“The goal is to raise enough money to send Stephanie to an intensive speech therapy program for people with aphasia,” said Gail Aronoff, a parent in the school district, whose daughter, Jill, was a student of Altman’s. “We are hoping to help her overcome the aphasia that she suffered from the stroke.”
Aphasia is described as an acquired language disorder due to brain damage. According to experts, aphasia does not affect a person’s intellect, memory, judgment or problem-solving skills.
Roslyn area residents always come through when a needed charity calls. Here is another opportunity to assist a popular Roslyn teacher. For more information, call Mary Jo White at 917-301-5866. To purchase tickets online, go to www.bit.ly/anightofstars. For those who would like to donate or contribute to organizing the event, go to www.bit.ly/anightofstars and click on Stephanie Altman’s name.
