Way to Go! Julia Cohen of Plainview
A Plainview student whose grandmother has multiple sclerosis recently spearheaded a fitness fundraiser to help others who suffer from the disease.
Julia Cohen, a senior at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School, raised $1,750 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through a 45-minute cycling workout at SoulCycle in Woodbury. The event, called “Julia’s Charity Ride for MS,” attracted more than 40 cyclists and an additional 16 people made donations, she said.
In recognition of the effort, held to honor her grandmother Gloria Schwartzman, the 17-year-old received an “exceptional volunteer” certificate from the nonprofit organization.
“I thought it would be great to ride for those who can’t,” Cohen said. Of her grandmother, she said, “I’ve seen her become weaker and weaker as I’ve gotten older, and I wanted to do something in her honor.”
Natale Raimo, development director of the society’s Long Island Chapter, said the organization is very thankful to Cohen for putting the event together.
“I hope her story will inspire others to get more involved in fundraising and volunteering for organizations important to them,” Raimo said.
Cohen is vice president of her school’s Art Club, president of the Art National Honor Society, and a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She also has volunteered at Plainview Hospital.
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
