Penguin
Plunge
Troy is a 15-year-old who lives in Pearl River with his parents, Olivia and Martin and his younger brother Clint. In 2016, the Murphy family's world changed when Troy went from being thought of as a bit clumsy young boy to being diagnosed with an incurable disease. This disease, which is a progressive disease, is Becker Muscular Dystrophy -a rare condition that affects the muscles of the lower body, shoulders, and heart. Troy is now in a wheelchair and it gets harder to even transfer in and out of it. Troy has been to see doctors more than 50 times in the past two years and gets infusions every six months. Troy's medical and physical needs are growing as Troy gets older. He needs a hoist to be able to be safely moved from the wheelchair as well as a stander machine to help his circulation. The Murphy family also needs to make adjustments to their house and find a car that can support Troy's needs. Troy loves having his friends come over and play video games. Troy is also a member of an Irish youth group, the Foroige. They are deeply appreciative of all the support that will allow Troy to enjoy his teenage years as well as being a great big brother to Clint!
Christopher is a bright and happy preschooler who lives in Tappan with him mom, dad, and older sister, Brooke. Now four years old, Christopher was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histocytosis (LCH) when he was just turning one. LCH is a rare cancer that affects his blood and bones. At the time of the diagnosis, Christopher had fractures in his shoulder, spine, and skull due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Christopher had two years of chemotherapy and is currently on "maintenance" medication and requires treatments to keep his LCH at bay. Christopher is still strong and happy and loves playing with his older sister!
Jake Alongi of Nanuet, was born prematurely at 24 weeks, on June 3, 2021 weighing 1lb 6oz. He had an identical twin brother, Logan, who passed away after 3.5 weeks from a bowel perforation/sepsis. Shortly after birth, Jake had a bowel perforation and was very sick. Jake had 3 major GI surgeries while in the NICU (2 laparotomies, ileostomy, ileostomy reversal, a major umbilical hernia repair, a Gtube placed and another ileostomy). Jake had several life-threatening infections, including NEC at 41 weeks. Jake also suffered a brain bleed shortly after birth which left behind Bi-Lateral Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL). Jake spent a total of 200 days in the NICU. In the past year, Jake has had 2 more major GI surgeries (ostomy reversal and bowel resection for twisted bowel). Jake continues to struggle with Chronic Lung Disease, GI dysmotility disorder, and is a failure to thrive. Jake is also developmentally delayed. He recently received a diagnosis of Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. Jake is almost always smiling and laughing and is full of life. He is determined to do everything he sets his mind to and is honored to be a recipient.
Julia Sajduk is a five-year-old who lives with her family in Southfields with her parents and her two sisters, Riley and Emilia. Last year in March of 2022, Julia's world was turned upside down very quickly and unexpectedly. She had stood up one night and fell to the ground in excruciating leg pain with a fever to follow. No one thought at the time that this visit to the ER would dramatically change everything in the Sajduk house. Julia went from being a healthy, happy, energetic preschooler to a patient who was tethered to IV poles. Julia was diagnosed with High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The next 18 months were filled with a medical port placement, numerous intrathecal injections of chemotherapy into her spinal fluid, hundreds of chemotherapy infusions, steroids, antibiotics, bone marrow biopsies, blood transfusions, countless hospital admissions and painful side effects caused by the medications. Julia fought through pancreatitis and foot neuropathy like the true warrior that she is. Her treatment now consists of chemotherapy injected into her spinal fluid every three months, as well as steroids and daily oral chemotherapy. This does not stop Juila from being a happy and kind kindergartner. She fights every day through the fatigue and pain the chemo causes to just try and enjoy being a kid. She is a true example of bravery and strength. Despite all the pain and fatigue that this journey incurs, Julia never forgets to smile. This battle with leukemia has made Julia and her family strong, appreciative, and grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the entire community.
