Students in LADSBS Promote ALS Awareness with Ride for Life Founder
Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Miller Place School District (MPSD) recently welcomed back Ride for Life Founder Chris Pendergast for a special assembly at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS). Mr. Pendergast, a beloved member of the community and courageous fighter of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), returned to the District to speak with elementary students about his journey over the last several years and inspiration behind founding Ride for Life, a charity that raises money and awareness for ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
“Every year, we welcome Mr. Pendergast for his heartening story of perseverance and commitment,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “He is a special member of the Miller Place-Sound Beach community, and it’s an honor to have him speak to our students and inspire them to play their part in raising awareness for such an important cause.”
Students at LADSBS listened attentively to Mr. Pendergast’s story about his advocacy efforts and how his devotion and perseverance inspired the Ride for Life organization. The presentation relayed an important message for students to never give up and overcoming the odds. Students were also amazed by Mr. Pendergast’s ability to utilize advanced technology equipment to type using his eyes and speak through a computerized voice.
Ride for Life is an annual public awareness and fundraising campaign to spread ALS awareness. Each year, ALS patients ride their electric wheelchairs across Long Island as they are escorted by hundreds of students from local schools and community groups.
