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Community Corner

Sept. 11 Fundraiser Honors Huntington Station FDNY Firefighter

Vincent Albanese, who died this July from the after-effects of 9/11, will be remembered through a fundraiser on the ninth anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11.

Nine years after the attacks of Sept. 11, the effects are still being felt both locally and throughout the country. They once again hit close to home on July 31, when retired FDNY firefighter Vincent Albanese of Huntington Station died from bladder cancer at the age of 63 from repercussions of that tragic day.

To honor and celebrate Albanese's life along with all first responders who have and are currently battling debilitating and life threatening illnesses in the wake of 9/11, The Always-At-Aum Yoga School in West Babylon will sponsor a fundraiser with former NFL players on Sept. 11, 2010, with all proceeds going to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund.

"I feel terrible for anyone that has to go through something like we did and doesn't have the same type of support system that my family has," said Albanese's daughter, Kelly, who frequents Always-At-Aum. "To be surrounded by that support is incredible. It's powerful and it's giving my family the strength to move forward and to heal and reminding us that even though my dad might not physically be here anymore but his spirit is all around us."

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The fundraiser, which will be held at the Hofstra University Fieldhouse Bubble on Dome Road in Hempstead from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will also provide space for all community members to reflect peacefully on the events that took place nearly a decade ago while helping to make a difference in the lives of first responders and their families.

Albanese said Robin Appel, owner and founder of the Always-At-Aum Yoga School took it upon herself to start planning a fundraiser just days after her father died.

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"They're a very loving and welcoming and peaceful community and they've become a little part of my family," Albanese said. "They took it upon themselves to start planning a fundraiser just because they witnessed what my family has gone through in the past few months and they wanted to do this as a way to help support my second family which is the fire department."

Appel added, "We are delighted to be able to host this fundraiser to benefit the Widows' and Children's Fund. Sadly, this is not a battle that can ever be won, but if we come together we can help ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters."

The event will begin with a yoga mala, which is the completion of 108 sun salutations or 108 minutes of meditation. A $25 donation is suggested for people who wish to participate in this powerful practice. Anyone interested in participating in the mala is encouraged to seek sponsorship from friends, families, and colleagues, according to Appel.

Following the yoga mala, NFL fans will have an opportunity to meet and have their children run drills with former top professional players such as Wesley Walker, Bobby Jackson, Bruce Harper, and others.

"I've been very familiar and I've come in contact with several members of the police, the fire department, people who were the first responders for Ground Zero and I've talked to numerous people who have been sick and my heart goes out to them," said Walker, who played 13 seasons for the New York Jets from 1977-89.

Walker said he has seen similar problems in the NFL in regards to the benefits and health care that the Ground Zero first responders are not receiving.

"I share a similar situation in reference to [football] players and their post-career injuries and whatnot," Walker said. "Not having the benefits and the funding or having to fight for just the right for health care. … These guys are dying, and there should be some type of benefits there for them. We, as football players in the National Football League – which is a big business – we have to fight in the same way. So I can understand and relate to it in certain situations and that is one of the biggest reasons I'm involved with this thing."

Raffle tickets will be sold at the event and the prizes will be given out at the conclusion of the event. Prizes are valued from $300 to $1,400, according to Appel and attendees need not be present to win. She added that commemorative t-shirts, tank tops, and bracelets will also be available for purchase.

"I think it's going to go really well," Albanese said. "I know that there are a lot of events that take place on that day, as there should be, and people want to reflect and honor those that perished on that day in their own ways. I hope that they'll really consider coming out just as a way of connecting with other people in the community that are trying to do something good, trying to make a difference in the lives of first responders, and trying to reflect on that day and look forward peacefully."

The fundraiser is open to the public. Individuals who are unable to attend can complete their own yoga mala and mail donations to the Always-At-Aum Yoga School, 170 Little East Neck Road, Suite #3, West Babylon, NY 11704. Checks should be made payable to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows' and Children's Fund and credit card or PayPal contributions can be made online.

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