Long Island Goes to the Dogs for a Good Cause; Dog Walk Raises Money, Awareness for Cancer Research

by Christopher Boyle

LONG ISLAND, NY – Main Street in Farmingdale recently went to the dogs – quite literally – as dozens of people walked their pooches through the streets en masse to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.

Headed up by the Empire State Snow Dog Club, the walk comprised of about 100 dogs and their respective owners. Given the theme of the Club, a vast majority of the canines present were Huskies, but dogs of any type were more than welcome to join in on the fun, according to the Club’s President, Plainview resident Jodi Ekberg.

Participants in the 1.2 mile walk were not charged to do so; instead, Ekberg noted, they were encouraged to get sponsors to donate money towards the cause. Last year’s walk generated approximately $3,500, but this time around she said they’re hoping to hit as much as $10,000.

“We chose to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because they’re a charity where 99 percent of the money raised goes directly to research, unlike some other groups where most of it goes to paying the salary of their CEO,” she said. “In addition to all the walkers who have been handing over money from their sponsors today, the merchants of Farmingdale have been so wonderful…many of them have donated gift baskets that we will raffle off as well.”

The walk took them from the Village Green, along Main Street – the majority of the route made easier by the fact that part of it was closed to motor traffic – and down to Northside School, where, after a brief water break for both two and four-legged participants, the group returned to the Village Green for lunch.

Empire State Snow Dog Club member Maryann Lockwood of Ronkonkoma had her two Huskies, Keiko and Pooka, leashed, at the ready, and waiting to begin their charitable trek through the streets of Farmingdale.

“It’s for a good cause…I’ve known Jodi Ekberg for a few years, and I try to help out the Club as much as I can,” she said. “I also did the walk here in Farmingdale last year and the huge turnout this year is great. There are a lot of good people here who want to help the community.”

Farmingdale resident Jeannie Faherty was also a participant in the walk, along with her little Shitzu, Muffin; she and several of her co-workers were getting together as a group to help support a very worthy effort, she said.lie

“It’s going to be nice to be out walking with our dogs on such a beautiful afternoon,” she said. “It’s also helping to raise both money and awareness that these diseases not only affect people, but animals as well. And the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society helps both, so I want to support them.”

Ekberg said that she and the members of her Club always go out of their way to help their fellow man and dog; however, she said that she’s been pushing with extra vigor to make this year’s Farmingdale walk a huge success for reasons that was very personal to her.

“My red Huskie, Frankie, has Lymphoma…he’s a certified therapy dog, and my club has chipped in and are helping to pay for his treatment,” she said. “Now that I know what these families are going through, everyone that is suffering along with loved ones that are fighting Leukemia and Lymphoma, I’m pushing a lot harder for all of us.”