On May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps Explorer Post 703 is holding a special fundraiser car wash for Connor Rummel, son of ex-chief Kevin Rummel.

Kevin Rummel has been a member of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps since 1990. The corps dedicates numerous hours during emergency situations to help the community, providing an invaluable service. Now, the corps is asking for some help from the community by a show of support during next month's car wash.

Connor Rummel was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) just after his first birthday. Since then, Connor has been attending

therapy sessions regularly. He is very determined and even though

he gets tired he still tries very hard to do all his exercises.

SMA is the number one genetic killer of children under the age of 2. It causes weakness to the voluntary muscles, affecting crawling, walking, head and neck control and even swallowing. Intelligence and sensation are not affected.

The members of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Explorer Post 703 invite all residents of Mineola and surrounding communities to come meet Connor and have your vehicle washed for a good cause. A car wash will cost $5 and for trucks and vans, it will be $8.

The car wash will be held at Mineola Village Hall, 155 Washington Avenue, between Mineola Boulevard and Willis Avenue, across from the Mineola Fire Department headquarters. The rain date is May 18.

If you are unable to attend the car wash, you can make a tax deductible check to:

A Cure for Connor

P.O. Box 333

Albertson, New York 11507-0333

All of the proceeds are donated to research facilities.

For more information, go to www.acureforconnor.org, www.FSMA.org or www.fightSMA.com.