Taking A Hike for Life

The New York Blood Center and The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference teamed up again this year to host the 5th Annual Hike For Life this past Sunday at Hecksher, Blydenburgh and

Hikers of all levels came out to participate and show their support in raising awareness for the need for blood donations.  All money raised from the event helps to support the center's development of technology through research, which helps to provide blood and stem cell products to hospitals and patients primarily in the New York area.

Hikers had their choice of three challenging hikes: a 32 mile hike of the complete Greenbelt Trail beginning at Heckscher Park, an 11 mile hike covering the northern third of the Greenbelt Trail which kicked off from Blydenburgh Park, and a 3 mile family-friendly hike along the bluffs of Sunken Meadow Park to meet the other hikers for the final stretch.

Shari Zagorski, the Hike For Life coordinator and founder of the event, was pleased with the turnout.  Zagorski led the hike for the 32 mile group and provided a shot of energy that was contagious amongst all the participants. 

"This year was our best year ever," Shari said. "We had 39 hikers start the 32 mile hike, 62 started the 11 mile hike, and somewhere between 40 and 60 hikers completed the 3 mile hike." 

This year's Hike For Life was dedicated to 10- year- old Heather McNamara of Islip Terrace, NY.  In 2009 Heather was the first child in the world to undergo multi-organ transplant surgery, and needed 8 pints of blood during the course of her treatment.

The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference is a non-profit grassroots organization and has created more than 200 miles of hiking paths on Long Island.  The organization leads more than 200 free guided hikes each year, and has donated over 500,000 volunteer hours to Long Island's parks and trails.

Janet Casaccio, of Commack, was at Blydenburgh Park to begin her 11 mile hike. 

"I am here today to show my support for the New York Blood Center, and I get a little bit of exercise as well, so it's good for everybody.  Later on my whole family is coming down to meet me at Sunken Meadow and they will do the 3 mile hike," she said.

The hike concluded at Sunken Meadow Park with a barbeque, raffles, and giveaways to all participants.  Fellow hikers, many of whom hike together year round, laughed together as they looked back on how great the event turned out to be - as well as how exhausted they were.

  "I feel great," Shari said after wrapping up the 32 mile hike.  When asked if she could do the 32 miles again, she replied with a grin, "tomorrow, I need a little sleep first." 

To donate blood or to organize a blood drive, please call the New York Blood Center toll free at 1-800-933-2566, or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.