Shamrocks In Social Studies Aid Muscular Dystrophy

To kick off the annual Shamrocks for Dystrophy program at West Islip’s Udall Road Middle School, students and student athletes in Deborah Pulitano and Kathleen Ryan’s integrated social studies class were paid a special visit by identical twins Corey and Eric Ryan, who both have muscular dystrophy.

During their talk on March 4, the Ryans discussed the Shamrocks program, and the students had an opportunity to ask questions about muscular dystrophy and what it is like to live with this disease, as well as learn firsthand about the use of power wheelchairs.

For the past 22 years, Udall Road has participated in this worthwhile program to benefit people in Suffolk County who have been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Students and teachers purchase green shamrocks for $1 and gold shamrocks for $5; the purchasers’ names are written on the shamrocks, which are then hung on each classroom door.

“It really gets everyone in the spirit for St. Patrick’s Day” said Principal Daniel Marquardt. “All proceeds raised go directly to support those living with muscular dystrophy to purchase items such as wheelchairs and braces, and for cure research as well. Udall has also been able to send several children to camp each summer because of the generous donations made in the past.”

IMG_1290, IMG_1293: Twins Corey and Eric Ryan visited a social studies classroom at West Islip’s Udall Road Middle School to discuss the school’s annual Shamrocks for Dystrophy program.

Photos courtesy of the West Islip School District