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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. Keara Carr, 33, of Briarcliff Manor, said her 26-month-old daughter Quinn had such a good experience at the John A. Coleman School and Children's Rehabilitation Center that she wanted to spread the word about the White Plains-based organization by participating in its annual walk-a-thon fundraiser.
"As a parent who has someone at Coleman, I want other parents to know there's a wonderful place with loving, professionals who are dedicated to help children with a range of disabilities," said Carr.
Carr brought Quinn, who has caudal regression sacral agenesis, which means she's missing the bottom two lumbers of her spine, and hip dysplasia, to Ursuline High School in New Rochelle to raise awareness for the fundraiser.
A group of approximately 20 juniors in Ursuline's social action club signed up to walk with Carr.
The "Team Quinn" joined about 180 others strutting around the Saxon Woods parking lot Sunday to raise approximately $50,000 for the Coleman school and children's rehabilitation center, which collectively serve over 4,000 children with developmental disorders on campuses in White Plains and Manhattan.
Kirstin McArthur, the associate director of development at Coleman, said the organization decided to hold the eighth annual "For the Children" Walk-a-thon and Fall Festival at Saxon Woods to honor the White Plains Fire Department.
"They've been really great friends to us. Every year they support us here. They come out with Santa on a truck every Christmas, which brings smiles to kids faces. In spring 2010, they painted and refurbished 12 classrooms, a kitchen, and staff lounge for us," said McArthur.
The fire department continued its 30 years of service to Coleman by raising $500 for the organization at its annual picnic this summer. The money will go towards four sleighs, which the firefighters plan to retrofit for kids with physical disabilities.
"I'm so proud because not only are they heroes when they're working, but they're heroes to the community," said David Chong, public safety commissioner.
Have you ever participated in the "For the Children" Walk-a-thon and Fall Festival? Join the conversation below.
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