RIDE FOR LIFE 2009
Day 2: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
After another night at the comfortable and art deco decorated rooms at the Atlantic Motel in South Hampton, we began our day in our favorite way – at a school.
Tuckahoe Common School in South Hampton includes pre-kindergarten through 8th grades. The entire school population emptied outside to be there for our arrival. Patients, caregivers, and volunteers were awed by the phenomenal and unusual large banners that all grades created and held up in greeting us. Not only did these banners have colorful lettering, messages of encouragement, and pride in our cause, but pictures of the students were cleverly incorporated in each class banner. The older students wore school shirts and certainly showed spirit for the school and for us. The younger students all had hats on that said CONDUCTOR. They definitely were too young to be train conductors, so what exactly were they conducting? Well, the answer is simple – hope and courage to the entire RIDE FOR LIFE group as they cheered us on our way along with the principal, Mrs. Linda Rozzi and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Gail Ackerson.
The principal, Mrs. Rozzi, has a personal connection to our group because she lost her father-in-law, Tom Rozzi, to ALS two years ago. In fact, one member of the Ride For Life was wearing the shirt from the year that Tom Rozzi’s name was on it in his memory, along with other names of patients who died that year.
Our route to the next stop was through some lovely scenery along the Shinncock Bay with a brief glimpse of the Ponquoque Bridge. Then we reached the charming downtown area of Riverhead and continued to a spot to break for lunch.
This afternoon we had a very interesting experience at the McGann Mercy High School in Riverhead. What made this meaningful for our group and for the school is that Chris Pendergast graduated from here in 1966. In fact, one of his classmates, Alex Doroski, greeted Chris and the rest of us upon our arrival and escorted our group through the clapping students lined up on both sides of the driveway.
Father Mike, a member of the faculty, blessed and anointed the patients, led us all in some prayers and then the students sang their school song with gusto. Father Mike mentioned the impact Chris had on the entire school when he gave a presentation in the auditorium last Friday. Chris’ visit inspired Father Mike to have each student hold a lit candle during our time there. He also said that this Friday will be a dress down day for the students and funds will be collected for the Ride For Life. This was a kind gesture and appreciated by us and of course by the students who usually wear uniforms, but on Friday will be uniform in their quest to help ALS patients and to find a cure. Father Mike also said that “We’re walking with you and we’re carrying you in our hearts.”
Chris’words in his response to this moving ceremony at his alma mater was conveyed to the students and faculty through Christine, his wife. As always, Chris spoke from his heart and also with a spirituality in his message.
