SHS SG Calls For A Cure For CF

Wednesday, 05 December 2012 13:24

Syosset students have raised over $200,000 for cystic fibrosis research with this event to date

Since 1993, Syosset High School’s student government has held an annual phone-a-thon to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. After a busy school day, students recently spent two evenings calling the Syosset school district community.

The students began the event with a buffet dinner generously donated by local merchants including Richard Cutler of Mim’s, Woodbury Country Deli, Celebrity Diner, Bagel Boss of Hicksville, Christina’s Epicure, Iavarone Bros., Butera’s, Laguna Grille, Meyers Farms, Happy Farms, Prime Time Butcher, Bagel Master, and Frank’s Gourmet Pizza.

A representative from the foundation then spoke with the students to educate them on the disease, as well as the advances being made in treatment. In addition, the Katz family shared their experiences living with CF. After a brief training, the students hit the phones and residents of the Syosset School District once again “answered the call” with their generous contributions. Since its inception, this event has raised over $200,000 for CF research.

Student government advisors, David Steinberg and Rich Cafiero, as well as Syosset resident Ilene Zelniker, spearheaded the program along with Natalie Mathes, student government vice president and Shira Gavriel, Carly Miller, Jenn Herrmann and Alexa Georgakopoulos, members of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Student Youth Board.

Other students in attendance included: Jordana Rosenzweig, Ilysa Salit, Stephanie Linden, Brandi Kobren, Koby Vinokor, Nicole Rapfogel, Jessica Berenson, Olivia Rosenzweig, Steven Hur, Justin Zaretzky, Austin M. Golove, Jack Grunberg, Jordan Freedman, Nitash Tiene, David Dochter, Dean Lumish, Crystal Green, Erika Eckstein, Benny Cotler, Alexa Silverman, Nicole Hanakis, Taylor Salit, Bianca Georgakopoulos, Matt Cassela, Jordyn Boscia, Lindsay Waldman, Sophia Lynch, Tyler Walsh, Jasmyn Chacko, Adam Schoen, Howard Bick, Luke Kuba, Grant Gindi, Michael Salit, Ryan G. Klobus, Max Salit, Robert Germano, Yatin Chablaney and Adam Hornick. All of these students gave generously of their time for two evenings to help raise funds to find a cure for CF.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of individuals and cuts their life expectancy by more than half. This past January, the FDA approved Kalydeco, the first drug to address the underlying cause of CF that assists 4 percent of the CF population. This development opens exciting new doors to research and development that may lead to a cure for all people living with the disease.

The generous donations of Syosset’s community and high school’s student government members have advanced the search for a cure at this pivotal time. To receive further information about cystic fibrosis or the foundation, please contact the Long Island office at 827-1290 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .