For the past two Decembers, Glen Cove CARES, Inc. has been privileged to help Rick Shalvoy launch his first two Snow Rows from Pryibil Beach in Glen Cove. This year, Mother Nature and the tides have changed Rick's course, but not his stalwart and selfless intentions. Snow Row 2002 will depart from the Moriches Yacht Club in Suffolk County at 9 a.m., on Sunday, Dec. 15. Rick's destination will be the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville where he hopes to arrive at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome to cheer Rick on either at the launch or when he arrives in West Sayville.

Many will recognize Rick as the Long Island ocean lifeguard who combined his passion for rowing and passion to fight breast cancer to create the Row for a Cure. For the past six summers, he has rowed 300 miles around all of Long Island, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer.

The living greeting card that is Snow Row was created in December 2000 as a reminder that there are many people struggling with illness during the holidays. In its third year, the Snow Row continues to serve as a symbol of camaraderie, understanding and support for those confronting illness or loss during the holiday season. Please join Rick at Snow Row 2002 to show your support and cheer him on. If you can't be there, take time from this hectic season to remember that many critically ill patients often feel more lonely and depressed than usual during the holiday season. Reach out to someone you may feel needs some extra comfort and deliver a warm message of caring this holiday season. For more information, please contact Glen Cove CARES at 759-0407 or 1-800-Row Cure.