Neighborhood Cruisers

Cruise Night a Huge Success

2011-08-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

by Chris Lima

Contributor to NeighborhoodCruiser.org

Storm clouds and rain drops may have kept the classic cars home, but a little bad weather wasn't enough to stop the Neighborhood Cruisers from pouring a little sunshine on three local families lives.

Even Sugrue, an eight year old from Pomona, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was just fifteen months old.

Brothers Jacob and Joshua Czaikowski, seven and four year olds from Nanuet, have had disabilities from their infancy. They suffered through ongoing seizures, a brain bleed, blood issues and a stroke. Josh, in addition, has a low form of spinal bifida.

Tyler Tobin, a six year old from Orangeburg, was discovered to have Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. PNH is an acquired mutation that causes some or all of your body’s red blood cells to be destroyed by a process called hemolysis. Tyler underwent a bone marrow transplant and with lifelong medical observation there is hope Tyler has an opportunity to have a “normal” life.

Thanks to money raised through their annual car show, Cruisin for Kids, the Neighborhood Cruisers (a non profit car club from Stony Point, NY) were able to present three families with checks for $7,000 to help alleviate the financial burdens that come with having a child with special needs.

After the checks were handed out and the cake was served one of the families quieted the room; Bill Tobin (Tyler's father) wanted to make a speech.

What he said next surprised the entire room and shocked the club members.

Bill and Krissy Tobin remarked at the overwhelming generosity and support they've received from the community during Tyler's illness. The Tobin's asked that their portion of the proceeds be given back to the club and split amongst the Sugrues and the Czaikowskis.

To see photos from the event click here.

Neighborhood Cruisers Highlighted on Patch.com

2011-08-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Local news reporter Rachel Rondon did a feature article on the Neighborhood Cruiser's annual fundraiser; Cruisin for Kids.

Click here to see Rachel Rondon's article and photos.

American flag waved over a large gathering of antique cars, vendors and spectators at the Cruisin’ For Kids Tenth Annual Benefit this past Saturday at North Rockland High School. Proceeds benefit families of Evan Sugrue, Pomona, Josh and Jacob Czaikowski, Nanuet, and Tyler Tobin, Orangeburg.

“The car club has a saying and it is, 'I’m a neighborhood cruiser and it feels good to give,'” said Bob DuBois, Neighborhood Cruisers, Club President. “This is our tenth year, we usually give away $5,000 to $8,000 per family. Things are off this year and corporate donations are down but we are still very proud to present this show to our honorees.”

“This is mainly the car show,” said Grace Christakos, Cruisin’ For Kids Director. “The families come today but it takes us about a week to put together all the donations and we give the families the checks at our Monday Cruise Night at Genero’s.”

“During the summer we have Monday Cruise Night at Genero’s in Stony Point, 146 North Liberty Drive Route 9W” said DuBois. “We put the cars on display, have picnic tables outside, there is music, trophies, 50/50 and prizes to make it fun. There is no charge, anyone can stop by.”

“The event is very nice. I have been coming here since it started,” said Justine, a spectator. "They seemed to have a nice turn out, glad the weather held up. I’m from Stony Point and everyone from the area knows about it."

“I work for ARC of Rockland and there is nothing better than to help someone with a need,” added Justine.

Honoree Evan Sugrue, 8, looked thrilled about the car show and he beamed wherever his father, Carl wheeled him in. From the family’s arrival, Evan was intent on seeing every car, especially the police car, which he he got a chance to turn on the siren.

“He was officially diagnosed at 15 months with Cerebal Palsy,” said Elena Shamkovica, Evan’s mother. “There are more challenges now that he is getting older. He wants to be independent, but he cannot be on his own like other kids. We try to let him be independent but it's tough. It can get pretty exhausting.”

“He goes to school and currently day camp at Jawanio. We cannot afford any additional therapies, besides school and camp, so we do the best we can on our own," said Shamkovia. “He is so happy and social. He has played buddy ball basketball and track and he might do soccer. Our family is very supportive, but it hard now that he is heavier. It’s difficult since he is so heavy, you have to have strength to take care of him.”

“Jawanio is amazing. They have been with him since 3 years old; they provide equipment, support and advice. It is a wonderful place,” said Shamkovia. “There are a lot of stuff in the community to help, you just have to find it.”

“I have full faith when he gets older that he can be independent. I just know that he can do it,” said Shamkovica. “I think we have done a good job to make him feel like he can do anything he sets his mind to and he does not stop.”

Shamkovica added that she discovered ARC in the past year and the program, along with the people have been like family.

“There are no words. These are amazing people,” said Shamkovia, referring to the Neighborhood Cruisers. “My friend, who used to be my neighbor, brought me here last year and I filled out the application papers. We are really moved and so grateful for this. Almost feels like we don’t deserve it.”

”We started as a group of car lovers, locals from Stony Point,” said DuBois. “We had a good group, and thought it would be nice to form a car club. We put names in a hat and thus the neighborhood cruisers of Stony Point was born. We decided we would like to do something as a car club and decided on a benefit car show. When thinking of who to benefit, we thought of kids, kids with medical needs really need help.”

John Bender—Neighborhood Cruisers member and vendor sponsor—and Kristine Dana—R. DANA Pest Control and corporate sponsor—were seen driving around the car show in a golf cart.
“I have a car, a hot rod. I have been involved since the initial formation,” said Bender. “It’s the tenth anniversary and we prepare for the event all year. It is a lot of work but everyone leaves with a good feeling.”

“I do the car show each year and sponsor trophies for Monday cruise nights “ said Dana. “I show support but I am not a member because I do not have a car. I’m from the North Rockland area with a store on Samsondale.”

“Haunts for Hospics” is another community event that Bender and Dana sponsor. “It raised over $3,000 and we are going to do it again this year, on the last two weekends in October. I’m going to put up the website soon,” said Dana.

“Many members have more than one car. My wife has one car and I have two,” said DuBois. “A lot of husbands and wives both have cars, which makes our club unique. It makes weekend event enjoyable when both the husband and wife have a car and the family is involved. It helps create a family atmosphere.”

Annual Fundraiser This Weekend

2011-08-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Neighborhood Cruisers will be hosting their 10th Annual "Cruisin for Kids" Car Show this weekend at North Rockland High School in Thiells, NY.

The Car Show raises funds to help alleviate the financial hardships that come with having a child who has special needs. This year, the Cruisers have selected three families to be the recipients of this year's fundraiser.

For more information on the families, click here.

The annual car show features live bands, local vendors who've supported the Neighborhood Cruiser's efforts, and of course, classic cars from yesterday and today. There's a 50/50 raffle, a DJ, and tons of fun stuff for kids to do.

Most importantly, all the funds go towards a good cause.

Attending the car show? Click here to tell your friends on Facebook!

The Neighborhood Cruisers are a 501(c)3 non -profit organization whose primary goals is the betterment and protection of the community. The organization aids children and adults who are enduring financial and medical hardships.

Neighborhood Cruisers Highlighted in LoHud Article

2011-07-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the article featured on LoHud.com today!

Written by

Akiko Matsuda

STONY POINT — Evan Sugrue smiled as he sat in the driver's seat of a 1936 Chevrolet truck at Monday's cruising night event, during which members of the Neighborhood Cruisers showed off their classic cars.

Even Sugrue takes a bike out for a ride. ©Little Guy Productions

The 9-year-old, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 15 months old and uses a wheelchair, is one of the recipients of the proceeds of the 10th annual Cruisin' For Kids, the group's fundraising event to benefit children with extreme medical needs.

As the nonprofit gears up for this year's event set for Aug. 6, members invited recipients of the proceeds to their cruising night at Gennaro's Restaurant.

Evan's mother, Elena Sugrue of Monsey, said she was surprised when the nonprofit informed her of selecting Evan as a benefit recipient.

"I'm so grateful. I couldn't even believe when I heard it," Elena Sugrue said, noting the money would help her and her husband, Carl, pay for the cost of Evan's new equipment as well as extra physical therapy that is not covered by the family's insurance.

Bob DuBois, president of the Neighborhood Cruisers, said a little more than a decade ago, as members gathered for their weekly cruising night, they discussed doing something to give back to the community, and Cruisin' For Kids was born.

"It's a labor of love. Lots of work," DuBois said of the event. "But we enjoy doing it, helping out families that are in need."

Donations from local businesses, car show registration fees and the sale of raffle tickets have been the major ways to raise money, DuBois said.

Last year, each recipient was awarded $8,000 from the event, he added.

Another recipient of this year's benefit is Tyler Tobin, 5, of Orangeburg, who had a bone marrow transplant to treat a rare, life-threatening blood disease.

Six-year-old Jacob and 4-year-old Josh Czaikowski of Nanuet, who suffer from hydrocephalus, are also this year's recipients.

During the cruising night, the brothers kept their parents' hands full as they got excited about the classic cars lined up in the restaurant's parking lot.

Stephen Czaikowski, Jacob and Josh's father, said he and his wife, Jennifer, were constantly worried about their sons because they could suffer another seizure.

As he watched children enjoying his 1936 Chevy truck, DuBois said he and other members of the organization continue their effort because they see it is making a difference, even if it's small.

A couple of years ago, DuBois said, members came up with a slogan that summed up their attitude: "I'm a neighborhood cruiser. It feels good to give."

Elena Sugrue, who is originally from Long Island and moved to Rockland about a decade ago, said she's got the message.

"Everybody here is just so nice. It has such a small-town feel," she said. "It really makes you have a renewed faith in people."

Cruisin for Kids 2011 Families

2011-07-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Neighborhood Cruisers select local families that are in need of financial help, due to the rising costs of hospital bills, medicine, and medical treatment.

This year, the Neighborhood Cruisers selected four children to be the beneficiaries of this year's car show, Cruisin for Kids.

Tyler Tobin – Orangeburg - 5 years old – After many doctor visits and various diagnoses, Tyler was discovered to have Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). PNH is an acquired mutation that causes some or all of your body’s red blood cells (RBCs) to be destroyed by a process called hemolysis. Tyler underwent a bone marrow transplant and with lifelong medical observation there is hope Tyler has an opportunity to have a “normal” life. www.caringbridge.org/visit/tyler815

Jacob & Josh Czaikowski – Nanuet - Jacob is 6 1⁄2 years old and Josh is 4. Both brothers have had disabilities from infancy. They were fed with a feeding tube due to being allergic to most formulas. They suffered through ongoing seizures, a brain bleed, blood issues and a stroke. Josh, in addition, has a low form of spinal bifida. Both boys have a tough time with their medical issues and require many medications and have varying special needs.

Evan Sugrue – Pomona – 8 years old - At 15 months Evan was diagnosed
with Cerebral Palsy. He has spastic diplegia, as well as a global developmental delay. He is also diagnosed with thrombocythemia, a condition that causes the platelet count to become too high and can cause clotting abnormalities. Evan has had many surgeries and receives occupational and speech therapy. He does not let his disability keep him from playing outside with his friends.

Rockland Motor Sports Show Coming Up!

2011-03-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Rockland Motorsports Custom Cars and Bike Show will take place this March at Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY.

The car show, which will take place in the College Field House, runs March 25th, 26th, and the 27th.

ONLY $6 ADMISSION

THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH

SET-UP: 5:00 PM TO 11:30 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 25TH

3:00 PM SHOW OPENS

5:00 PM AUTOGRAPH SESSION

8:00 PM BEAUTY CONTEST

SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY

NICOLE "SNOOKI" POLIZZI

TV REALITY STAR

& NY TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR

SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH

10:00 AM DOORS OPEN

1:00 PM HOT DOG EATING CONTEST

2:00 PM SPARK PLUG CHANGING CONTEST

4:00 PM DOOR & QUARTER CHANGE CONTEST

6:00 PM DRAG RACES COMPETITION

7:00 PM 2-MAN TIRE CHANGE CONTEST

8:00 PM TRIVIA CONTEST

10:00 PM SHOW CLOSES

SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH

10:00 AM DOORS OPEN

11:00 AM EASTER EGG HUNT WITH A VISIT

FROM THE EASTER BUNNY

12:00 PM AUCTION

3:00 PM AWARDS CEREMONY

Neighborhood Cruisers to Hold 50's Themed Sock Hop

2011-02-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

The Neighborhood Cruisers are holding a 50’s Sock Hop to support the 10th Annual Cruisin’ for Kids Benefit.

The Sock Hop will take place May 7th, at the Italian American Club in Haverstraw, New York.

The Sock Hop will be buffet style, with the cost being $45 per person.

Please mail all checks, payable to the Neighborhood Cruisers, to Marla DuBois at

15 Ryder Court, Stony Point NY 10980.

If you have any questions, please call Marla at 845-947-2635.

Cruisin for Kids 2010

2011-01-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

Every year, the Neighborhood Cruisers select local families that are in need of financial help, due to the rising costs of hospital bills, medicine, and medical treatment. Watch the stories of six families; all who have received help from the Neighborhood Cruisers.

Cruisin for Kids 2010

Car Show a Huge Success!

2010-08-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Ninth annual Cruisin for Kids was highlighted in an article on LoHud.com this morning:

By Jane Lerner • jlerner@lohud.com • August 1, 2010

THIELLS — There was a cherry red 1966 Pontiac GTO, a canary yellow 1970 Oldsmobile and even a royal blue '55 Chevrolet Delray.

But the real stars of a car show held Saturday in Thiells were three disabled children whose families will be the recipients of money raised at the event.

"It's just a beautiful day," said Joseph Seeley, who was at the event with his family, including his son, Nicholas, 7, who has multiple disabilities and is one of the three youngsters who will receive a share of the proceeds. "It's so great that so many people out like this."

Hundreds attended the ninth annual Cruisin' for Kids car show, held in the parking lot of North Rockland High School.

"We get to combine our love for the cars and our dedication to the community," said Bob DuBois of Stony Point, who serves as president of the Neighborhood Cruisers, which puts on the show every year.

Each year the show raises money to help local families pay the medical expenses and related costs of children with disabilities or diseases.

In addition to Nicholas Seeley, who lives in New Rochelle and has a sister living in Stony Point, the other children are Nicole Green, a 7-year-old from New City who has autism and other medical problems. Her family is hoping to buy her a new system to help her communicate.

Alexa Castellano, 5, of Valley Cottage, was born with Down syndrome and had many medical problems. Her mother, Anna, died of breast cancer in November and her father, Frank, is raising her on his own.

The families attended the show and joined the crowd admiring row after row of cars and motorcycles.

Jack Capalbo of New City was there with the 1968 Ford Mustang convertible he spent a decade restoring.

"It looks great now," he said as people stopped to admire the car.

Thiells resident Scott Ludwig and his son Michael, 5, were both admiring a 1970 Chevrolet.

"This is a perfect restoration," Scott Ludwig said. "It looks like it just rolled off the assembly line."

Other cars were more unusual.

Carl Jones of Stony Point salvaged a miniature replica of a Model T Ford from a junkyard in the Kingston, N.Y., area several years ago.

He and his grandson, Charles C. Castro III, 10, of Stony Point, worked together to rebuild the car, which was likely used in an amusement park in the 1950s.

Charles proudly showed off the restoration to visitors at the car show.

"The best park was working on it with my grandpa," he said.

Cruisin for Kids 2010 Families

2010-07-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Neighborhood Cruisers select local families that are in need of financial help, due to the rising costs of hospital bills, medicine, and medical treatment.

This year, the Neighborhood Cruisers selected three children to be the beneficiaries of this year's Cruisin for Kids Car Show.

Alexa Castellano – 5 years old - Valley Cottage, N.Y.
At Birth the Family was told she had characteristics of Down syndrome. She had holes in her heart and her intestines were twisted. She needed constant treatment, surgery and is at high risk for pneumonia and infections. Alexa undergoes occupational therapy and therapy for motor skills and speech. Alexa’s Mother (Anna) passed away in November 2009 from Breast Cancer. Her Father Frank is raising her on his own.

Nicole Green – 7 years old - New City, N.Y.
Nicole was born with autism affecting her esophagus and her basic eating skills. During feedings the liquid would travel to her lungs. She had surgery to insert a tube but was unable to eat. At age one she started therapy to help teach her how to eat. Today Nicole can eat solid foods as long as it is cut to bite sized pieces. Nicole would benefit from extra therapies and loves therapeutic horseback riding and swimming. The family would love to be able to purchase a PECS (picture communication system) to aid with her communication skills.

Nicholas Seeley – 7 years old - New Rochelle, NY
Nicholas has suffered severe disabilities from birth. He cannot sit up, walk or talk and is feed by a feeding tube. Nicky is unable to move on his own and the family is in need of a handicap assessable van. Nicky’s sister Allie Seeley is a North Rockland High School student.

Cruisin for Kids 2009

2010-07-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Cruisers Highlighted in LoHud Article

2010-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

ORANGEBURG — As the president and co-founder of Neighborhood Cruisers,

Bob DuBois has a mantra he likes to live by.

"I'm a Neighborhood Cruiser," he said. "And it feels good to give."

Neighborhood Cruisers, a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, aims to combine its members' love of classic cars with their desire to help the community.

The group's ninth-annual car show, Cruisin' for Kids, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 31at North Rockland High School. The rain date is Aug. 7.

The show will feature about 200 cars, as well as live entertainment and various vendors,

DuBois said, and all of the proceeds will go to the families of three young children with

disabilities, handpicked by the organization.

But the charity isn't just limited to one day. The Neighborhood Cruisers work year-round, said Grace Christakos, the group's vice president. Immediately after the summer benefit, the search for new children begins.

The group also sells raffle tickets and asks local businesses for donations in the meantime.

In the early years of the Neighborhood Cruisers' annual benefit, the amount of money raised was low — just a few thousand dollars, DuBois said. Now, the benefit is capable of raising as much as $25,000 in one year.

On Thursday, Neighborhood Cruisers held a Car Cruise, where members brought about 20 cars to be put on display in the parking lot of The American Dream Diner in Orangeburg.

"I'm very honored," said Denise Green, whose 7-year-old daughter, Nicole, has autism. "I'm very grateful."

The Greens intend to use the money they receive from the benefit to buy Nicole a picture communications device for nonverbal communication.

Frank Castellano echoed those sentiments. His daughter, Alexa, has Down syndrome, and he has been raising her on his own since his wife died in November.

"You never think it would happen to you," he said.

Cruisers Bring Home the Hardware!

2010-06-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

We had a group from the club go to an event at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson this weekend and the following won awards: Bob DuBois, John Bender & Bruce Barton won for (top 50 pick)

and Tony Christakos won Best Interior for his 55 Pick up!

Congratulations to the members of the Neighborhood Cruisers who won their respective awards!

The Neighborhood Cruisers are a group of car lovers who have something more powerful than their classic engines and muscle cars; their hearts. Founded in 2001, the Neighborhood Cruisers found a way to combine their love of cars with a sense of community involvement.

In Memory: Noelle marie Natoli

2009-11-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Noelle Marie Natoli, 23, of Leland passed away November 15, 2009. Noelle was born in White Plains, NY in 1985, daughter of Louis Patrick Natoli and Tami Marie Ercole Natoli. Her parents are the owners of S&L New York Style Deli in Wilmington. In addition to her parents, Noelle is survived by her loving sister, Alexandria; lovable dog, Tini; grandmothers, Carole Ercole and Mary Natoli; loving aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. Noelle is now with her grandfathers, Beni Ercole and Domenico Natoli.

Noelle had a special love for the NY Yankees, Dunkin Donuts, General Hospital and Greys Anatomy.

Thank you so much to all of her wonderful caregivers at Maxim Healthcare.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church officiated by Father Robert J. Kus. The family will receive friends at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service, 3915 Oleander Drive on Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 PM and on Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM, with a rosary service to be held at 8:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Special Needs Child Scholarship Fund in Memory of Noelle Marie Natoli, Wachovia Bank, 3750 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403.

Journal News Spotlights Cruisin' for Kids

2009-07-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

By Akiko Matsuda

THIELLS - Eileen Kearney said she was devastated when her 18-month-old son was diagnosed with a genetic disorder that would weaken his muscles over the years.

"We were speechless. We couldn't believe it," the Orangeburg woman said. "We still cannot believe it."

Kearney's son, Kevin, now 6, has been fighting Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Kearney said Kevin could still walk on his own, though his movement was slower than other children's.

Because of the progressive nature of the disease, she and her husband, Peter, need to renovate their house to make it wheelchair accessible, Kearney said.

"We have to do it. We cannot live in this house," Kearney said of the couple's colonial. "We did look at getting another house with less steps, but we would have to renovate that house anyway. So we decided to stay here."

Kevin was chosen as one of three recipients of this year's benefit, Cruisin' for Kids, an annual car show organized by Neighborhood Cruisers, a non-profit organization based in Stony Point.

The event raises money for children with extraordinary needs because of their illnesses.

"I'm so touched. Complete strangers could help us. They don't even know us," Kearney said of Neighborhood Cruisers, noting that the couple hope to use the money from the benefit to help finance the renovation.

Grace Christakos, vice president of Neighborhood Cruisers, said she and other members of the organization have dedicated their time for the event year after year because they knew they could make a difference in children's lives, even if it's small.

"It's so rewarding. If you see these children, if you could help them. ... It's so dear to me," Christakos said. "I know they are sick, but when we give them a little joy at the Cruisin' for Kids ... it makes everything worthwhile."

The event's two other recipients are 1-year-old Emma Westcott of the Bronx, who was born with a birth defect called congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and 5-year-old Julia Pierce of Harriman.

Dayna Westcott, Emma's mother, said her daughter has had six surgeries. Because physicians who specialize in Emma's disease didn't accept the family's health insurance, she and her husband, William, 37, have been dealing with mounting medical bills, Westcott said.

Three to four surgeries a year will be required until Emma reaches 16, Westcott said.

But Westcott said the organization's gesture has meant much more than financial help.

"Because we feel very alone, ... we kind of shut down. We were very depressed. Very sad," Westcott said. "To have people who don't even know you reach out and want to help you, it's completely overwhelming."

Cruisin for Kids 2009 Families

2009-07-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Neighborhood Cruisers select local families that are in need of financial help, due to the rising costs of hospital bills, medicine, and medical treatment.

This year, the Neighborhood Cruisers selected three children to be the beneficiaries of this year's car show, Cruisin for Kids.

Emma Westcott - Bronx, N.Y
Emma is 1 year old, born with a birth defect called left sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Emma’s intestines were growing inside of her chest and her left lung was being compressed. Despite being given a very low survival rate, Emma and her twin sister were born January 7, 2008. After several operations and with more to come as she grows Emma is a survivor of CDH. Her battle is not over and there is always a chance of reherniation. The Family faces a great deal of expenses as insurance does not cover all of the expenses incurred.

Julia Pierce - Harriman, N.Y.
Julia is 5 years old and is diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Julia is now in the fight of her life as she faces approximately three years of chemotherapy and five years until she will be considered cured. She will be unable to start kindergarten this fall. She has also had to give up the dance classes she loves because of her compromised immune system. The Family is facing mounting medical expenses and other bills associated with Julia’s care.

Kevin Kearney – Orangeburg, NY
Kevin is 6 years old and suffers from Muscular Dystrophy a condition characterized by the loss of muscle strength. In approximately a year Kevin will need a walker. In 2 years he will need a wheel chair. Since all the bedrooms in the Kearney home are on the second floor they are in need of a renovation to allow Kevin to function more easily.

Cruisin for Kids 2008

2009-07-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Cruisin for Kids 2008 Families

2008-07-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Neighborhood Cruisers select local families that are in need of financial help, due to the rising costs of hospital bills, medicine, and medical treatment.

This year, the Neighborhood Cruisers selected three children to be the beneficiaries of this year's car show, Cruisin for Kids.

Jaden Rodriguez - Haverstraw, N.Y.
Jaden is 5 years old and was diagnosed with Pilaster Killen Mosaic Syndrome. Jaden has 47 chromosomes but should have only 46. He was born with 12 fingers and a crushed pallet.Jaden has had a numerous surgeries, yet he cannot walk or talk. He attends the Jessie Kaplan School and is confined to a wheelchair. Jaden’s two sisters are healthy.

Gary Odell - Stony Point, N.Y.
Gary is two years old and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He has a mild case, which causes his body to have low muscle tone. He can not walk, stand, or speak. Doctors say he will evenutally walk, but will need braces for his ankles. Gary’s mother does not work nor has transportation, making it difficult even to get to the doctors. Gary’s father works very hard but still can’t get ahead. Gary has two sisters.

Lanie Pearce - New City
Lanie is fifteen years old and has Cerebral Palsy. She suffered oxygen deprivation at her birth resulting in brain damage. She has limited control over her body, but she has learned to work within it. She uses an eye controlled computer system and she drives a power wheel chair using only her head. Laine has one sister and two brothers.

Cruisin for Kids 2007

2008-07-13T08:15:00.000-07:00