Long Island Realtors® Donate $6,000 to Aid in Multiple Sclerosis Research

The Long Island Board of Realtors®, Inc. (LIBOR), along with the Long Island Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors®, recently made a $6,000 donation to the Cheryl Manne Research Fund, dedicated to finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. 

The Cheryl Manne Fund provides an opportunity for select students currently enrolled in the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine to participate in a research program in the field of neurology that is dedicated to finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  The research will be conducted at a facility approved by the Dean of the School of Medicine during the summer between the first and second years of study.  This summer’s team of five students, Russell Elmes, Michael Funaro, Rachel Gray, Eric Neasi and Maya Shabbir, studied under the direction of Dr. Joel Stern at The Feinstein Institute, Manhasset, affiliated with Hofstra Medical School of Medicine.

Wantagh Broker and LIBOR past President Tony Smith, of SAS Real Estate, established this foundation in the memory of Cheryl Manne, his partner and a longtime SAS agent.  Cheryl lived courageously and inspired those that knew her to live life fully with dignity and humor, despite the challenges she and others face while living with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Long Island Realtors® are committed to making a difference and touching lives in the neighborhoods in which they serve; and to inform and inspire our community to help those in need. 

If you would like more information on this program, including how to donate, please contact Tony Smith directly at Tony Smith at 516-316-4956, email: tonysmith@sasrealestate.com or Krista R. Stella, Director for Donor Relations and Major Gifts, Hofstra University at 516.463.6561, email: krista.r.stella@hofstra.edu. 

The fund recipients were invited to the August 11, 2016 LIBOR Board of Directors meeting in West Babylon, where they spoke of the importance of the program and the impact it will have on Multiple Sclerosis research.  Pictured are (l-r) founder Tony Smith, LIBOR President Mary Alice Ruppert; Summer 2016 Team: Eric Neasi, Michael Funaro, Maya Shabbir, Rachel Gray, Russell Elmes; Hofstra University Director for Donor Relations and Major Gifts Krista R. Stella and Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine Professor. Dr. Joel Stern.