Community Corner
Local Hero Among Those Honored At JDRF Gala in Mahwah
Ross Fasman was honored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at its "Field of Dreams" Gala
With the Ramapo Mountains as a backdrop, the elegant guests of the Northern New Jersey and Rockland County Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Ninth Annual Dream Gala mingled to raise funds for this worthy cause. The gala was held Saturday at the Sheraton in Mahwah.
Among those being honored was Ross Fasman, a junior at Fort Lee High School. He was diagnosed with diabetes at age 12. On a recent flight, traveling from a game with his varsity baseball team, he noticed a man on the plane in medical distress. While the flight crew and passengers tried to understand what was happening, Ross quickly realized that the man was going into diabetic shock. He reached for his emergency kit, which is always with him, and saved the man's life.
Former Yankee Rick Cerone was named Man of the Year for raising awareness and funds for the foundation.
Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Many families who have been affected by this disease came out to the event, including the Shrekgast family of Mahwah. Emily Shrekgast was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 8. Now 14, she is an accomplished gymnast. With the help of the JDRF Emily said, "I know I will be the best athlete I can be, and diabetes won't get in my way."
The Shrekgast family was inducted into the Fund's Hall of Fame for raising $175,000 for the foundation.
Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Many children are diagnosed even younger than Emily, as early as age 3. Families often don't know where to turn for support. That's where the JDRF comes in. The foundation supports families with information and medical help, as well as a connection with others who, faced with this devastating diagnosis, have gone on to see their children grow and thrive.
Doug Rouse, Executive Director, presided over the event. As he greeted guests at the door, it seemed like he had a personal connection to each one.
Jennifer Natale, Chapter President, noted, "80% of our funding goes to research. Compared to other organizations, that is huge. In the last 6 years medical trials have gone from 1 or 2, to double digits. We will find a cure."
