Ride for Life founder Chris Pendergast honored by NY State
May 31 2006 | Ride for Life News
NY State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle honored Ride for Life founder Christopher Pendergast of Miller Place as the First Senate District recipient of the 2006 Achievers' Award at the annual "Senate Disabilities Awareness Day" celebration in Albany. Mr. Pendergast received the statewide honor in recognition of his tireless efforts as a champion for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a fatal neuromuscular ailment. He speaks extensively to help bring awareness to the disease and raise funds for research and patient services.
The Senate created the “Achievers’ Award” to honor individuals who have overcome physical or mental challenges and whose efforts serve as an example of courage, personal excellence, and achievement for an entire community. It is also bestowed upon those who have worked to raise public awareness to the needs of people with disabilities.
"Chris Pendergast is an articulate, knowledgeable, and respected ALS spokesperson who has given his time, talent, and heart to finding a cure for this debilitating disease," said Senator LaValle. "He, his wife, and children have firsthand knowledge of the difficulties confronting individuals with ALS and their families."
Chris Pendergast’s life forever changed in 1993 upon being diagnosed with ALS. In keeping with his character, he seized the opportunities presented by this challenge and inspired others with his strength and determination. In 1998, he founded Ride For Life to better direct awareness and fundraising activities, and began the 350-mile powerwheelchair ride from Yankee Stadium to Washington, DC. The ride has become an annual event each May and now focuses on the New York City Metropolitan
area. To date, Ride For Life has earned $2,000,000 for research and patient services.
"Day in and day out, Chris Pendergast advocates on behalf of the ALS patients and has dedicated his life to finding a cure," said Senator LaValle. "He is a trusted and valued resource, and a true 'achiever' who
stands tall among those making a difference in our society.
