A Little Bit of Change can Change the Lives of Many

The River Edge Schools will be hosting the 4th Annual Trick-or-Treat for Tay-Sachs / Coins for a Cure fundraiser. Over the past 3 years, more than $23,000 has been collected and donated to the Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation.

This year the event is bittersweet as it is being held in memory of , an inspiring girl from River Edge, who died in February after a courageous 6-year battle with Tay-Sachs disease.

Tay-Sachs is a rare, genetic, neurodegenerative disease that is always fatal in children. Children with Tay-Sachs stop achieving milestones by the time they are about 6 months of age, and then gradually begin to lose their skills, their vision, their cognitive development, and the abilities to swallow and move voluntarily.

"Research has come a long way over the past three years – both mice and cats with the disease have been treated, and research is currently being done on sheep who naturally possess Tay-Sachs," Julie Rabinowitz, Emma's mother said. 

The fundraising event was created in 2008 in Rabinowitz's honor and last year students collected 1800 pounds of candy that were donated to the CUMAC (Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community Ecumenically Concerned Helping Others) of Paterson for the homeless.

On Halloween, many children will be carrying yellow bags that display the 'Trick-or-Treat for Tay-Sachs' logos. Residents are encouraged to contribute some loose change. Donation cans have also been placed in many local businesses.

Anyone wishing to make a larger contribution may do so by either visiting the Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation website or by sending a check made out to 'Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation' to , 711 Summit Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661 Attn: Julie Grutta. All donations are tax deductible.