On Long Island, 'tis the season to give
Roger Ferrara, left, was certain he would die waiting for a kidney, before childhood friend Thomas Lambert volunteered to give him one of his this past Novembr. From infancy, Ferrara had been bothered by a kidney cyst. That, and later hypertension, stole his organs’ function. He had been on dialysis since February 2009. (Dec. 18, 2010) Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
In this season of giving, Long Islanders have opened their hearts, their wallets and their lives to others quietly, in ways large and small.
They've given unusual gifts that will transform lives, offer hope or make a permanent difference.
A young mother has turned her talent for movies into helping those with terminal illness record memories for those they will leave behind. A motorcycle club honors the memory of one of its members by carrying on the holiday toy collections he left behind. A man reunites with a childhood friend and donates a kidney that could add decades to his life. A woman offers smiles and a friendly hand to those facing hardships.
As families across Long Island gather to open gifts and count their blessings, these gift givers and those they help take time to reflect. Here are their stories.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
