Bishop McGann-Mercy

Ride for Life hits streets of Riverhead for ALS cure

Paul Weissman of Bohemia (middle, white shirt) was diagnosed two years ago with ALS. He says Chris Pendergast gives him hope and. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
Paul Weissman of Bohemia (middle, white shirt) was diagnosed two years ago with ALS. He says Chris Pendergast gives him hope and faith. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

For the 18th year, Chris Pendergast of Miller Place took to the streets of Rivehead with local students to bring awareness to the cause of finding a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

This year Mr. Pendergast — a 1966 Mercy High graduate — was accompanied by junior high students from Bishop McGann-Mercy as ALS Ride for Life trek across Long Island kicked off Monday morning.

(More photos below.)

Mr. Pendergast was stricken with the disease in 1993 and the school’s 7th and 8th graders have met with Mr. Pendergast throughout the year to learn out his dedication to finding a cure for ALS and raise money to assist him in his quest for a cure.

As they walked, the students chanted “Strike out ALS,” and “Hey Ho, ALS has got to go,” along with other chants.

They later met up student government leaders and class officers at Riverhead High School and went on to walk to Riverhead Town Hall for lunch and presentations.

Mr. Pendergast said he never thought he would be with Mercy students 50 years after he graduated.

“Count your blessings,” he said. “The sisters taught me to be ‘Mercy’ strong and that’s what i’m trying to teach you today.”

[email protected]

Junior high students display their signs. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch photos)
Junior high students display their signs. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch photos)
Walking down Harrison Avenue to RHS to meet up with class officers and sudent government leaders.
Walking down Harrison Avenue to RHS to meet up with class officers and sudent government leaders.
Event volunteer Barbara Brown of West Babylon talks to the Riverhead High School students who joined the walk to Town Hall.
Event volunteer Barbara Brown of West Babylon talks to the Riverhead High School students who joined the walk to Town Hall.