Jonathan Cheris, of Roslyn, has Crohn's Disease tweets about his...

Jonathan Cheris, of Roslyn, has Crohn's Disease tweets about his experiences with the disease and raises money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation on Long Island. Credit: Handout

Jonathan Cheris, of Roslyn, has Crohn's Disease tweets about his experiences with the disease and raises money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation on Long Island. In the past two years, Cheris, 46, has raised more than $26,000 by running half-marathons every six months. He solicits personal sponsorships through Twitter, and he keeps his followers posted on his training. “Twitter has introduced me to others with Crohn’s Disease, and now I follow others and we trade posts. I am making new, interesting connections, and it is just really good all around,” he said.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME