November 9, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • Page 15 The Children’s Therapy Center dad, Terence Sullivan, ran in the 2011 NYC Marathon last weekend to benefit “GoodWill.” Sullivan is raising funds and awareness through the newly-formed foundation, The Foundation for Good Will Charity, in order to benefit two non-profit organizations near and dear to his heart: The Foundation for Angelman Therapeutics (FAST) and The Children’s Therapy Center (CTC). In June 2008, Terry Sullivan and his wife, Children’s Therapy Center dad runs for ‘Goodwill’ Shannon, received a devastating diagnosis for their then 18-month-old son, William. William was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome (AS), and according to Sullivan, “…at that moment we were unexpectedly and reluctantly ushered into the world of special needs.” AS has been generally described as being on the autism spectrum. It is a severe neurological disorder characterized by developmental delays, problems with motor coordination and balance, seizures and sleeping disorders. While AS can be specifically diagnosed (a lack of expression in a particular gene), there is no known cause, and sadly, there is no cure. Fast forward to today. Will Sullivan is 4 years old. He is a happy and beautiful little boy who attends school at The Children’s Therapy Center, where he is receiving education and therapies to help him reach his maximum potential. Meanwhile, The Foundation for Angelman Therapeutics is dedicated to finding a cure for AS. Despite Will’s challenges, Shannon said it best, “Something good has to come of this, it just has to, for Will.” To benefit the CTC and FAST, Terence Sullivan committed himself to running the NYC Marathon and he is asking for community support. Anyone interested in supporting Sullivan’s run and donating to “GoodWill” please contact the CTC at 201.797.7440 for more information. The CTC was incorporated as the Cerebral Palsy Center of Bergen County, on March 29, 1950. It was created as a center for children with cerebral palsy, but over the past half-century it has grown to provide advanced therapies, creative education secondary programs and support services to over 300 special needs children. Children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, genetic disorders and medical problems receive educational During the month of November, Atlantic Stewardship Bank will be conducting a Food Drive throughout all of its branches. This is no ordinary Thanksgiving food collection; it is a drive with a mission to replenish the food pantry reserves that are depleted by the Thanksgiving holiday. The bank’s BEACH (Bank Employees Assisting Charities) Club coordinates this annual effort. All month long, both customers and bank associates are asked to fill the baskets located in each bank branch with non-perishable food items. High-protein foods such as canned tuna, beef stew, ravioli, baked beans, and peanut butter are always in short supply at the food pantries, as are coffee, tea, soups, and sugar. The bank will be collecting the food items through Nov. 23. The food will be November Food Drive under way distributed to local food pantries the following week. The beneficiaries of this year’s drive include the Social Service Organization of Ridgewood, CUMAC, Star of Hope Ministries, Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children, the Pequannock Township Food Pantry, the Wayne Interfaith Network, Harvest Outreach Ministries, Westwood Cares, and New Hope Ministries. “With the local economy slow to improve, local food pantries have seen donations decrease and recipients increase,” said Tonni von Schaumburg, the bank’s marketing manager and member of the BEACH Club. “With the generosity of our customers and associates we hope to be able to help restock the local food pantries for the holiday season.” Four-year-old Will Sullivan. services and therapeutic treatment. The CTC serves children from ages 18 months to 13 years in the early enrichment, preschool or primary school programs at two NJ campuses – Fair Lawn and The Upper School at Midland Park. For more information about The Children’s Therapy Center, please call Audra Hoffman, Director of Development at 201.797.7440 x 227 or visit www.thechildrenstherapycenter.org.