Long Island Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center
Pictures from Jericho Middle School's Walkathon April 26 and 27, 2006
| On April 4th, 2006, a very special assembly program
was held for the students of Jericho Middle School to highlight our monthly
theme of "Hope and Resiliency." The presenter, Joseph Testaverde
(the son of our teacher’s aide Kathy Testaverde), is a young man
who suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury in a swimming pool accident
in 2000. Joseph was left paralyzed from that accident – he is unable
to walk or use his fingers. His strong spirit and determination, however,
has led him to continue on with a productive life and to help others
through the Long Island Spinal Cord Research Center, a project of the
Testaverde Fund for Spinal Cord Injury. Through the Testaverde Fund,
Joseph has reached out to the community through education, prevention
and by directly assisting individuals and families affected by the trauma
of a Spinal Cord Injury.
During this assembly, our students had the opportunity to watch a specially prepared video highlighting Joe’s progress since his accident and the meaningful contributions he’s made through the Testaverde Fund for Spinal Cord Injury. The students engaged in a lively question and answer period that focused on Joseph’s physical and emotional journey since his injury, along with information about Spinal Cord Injuries and the current scientific research being conducted to work toward a cure. Joseph’s primary mission in connecting to young people through this educational program is the prevention of Spinal Cord Injuries, and issues of positive decision making were prominent in his message. And clearly, the message of "Hope and Resiliency" rang true in Joseph’s story of his ability to move forward to pursue his goals and help others, despite the serious nature of his injury and the resulting physical limitations. On Sunday, April 30th the Race for Spinal Victory (5k run/walk or 10 mile run) will be held at Jones Beach to benefit Spinal Cord Research and the Long Island Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center. (Registration forms can be downloaded at www.testaverdefund.org). The students at Jericho Middle School will support this fundraising effort with their own lunchtime “Walkathon” to be held on April 26th and April 27th, 2006. Students will receive information and pledge forms from their classroom teachers. Contributed by Mrs.Verdino |
