Story and photos by Leni Santoro
“When you are at the top of the mountain the sky is blue, the child is cured. That’s our goal for every one of our patients,” says Dr. Jerry Z. Finkelstein, MD Pediatric Oncologist at the end of the video included below.
On Sunday, August 23, the sky was indeed blue at the Four Corners in Eldred, thanks to the good weather, the sweet sounds of Simply Noted (who donated their time and musicality) and the generosity of the people who came out to celebrate in the hope of the end of childhood cancer. The day’s events were in support of St. Baldrick’s Foundation and sponsored by Lou Monteleone.
Monteleone is usually seen at the Eldred Preserve, where he has served as manager for over twenty years, but, on more than one occasion, he leaves the Preserve and heads out into an even more public venue. Whether he is helping the Santa Express get around town, or helping Mrs. Claus serve cookies at the Eldred Preserve, is making sure the Luck of the Irish is upheld in Yulan, or the Easter Bunny gets his eggs delivered on time, Monteleone always seems to be in the mix.
But, nowhere are his efforts as important as making sure a child with cancer and their family are supported and so he teams up with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise funds not just for awareness, but for research and for a cure.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation, according to their website, “…began as a casual conversation between friends and has exploded into the world’s biggest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer! In nine years, events have taken place in 18 countries and 48 US states; raising over $50 million.”
The Longest Line Dance and Conga Against Cancer raised approximately $1,000 with more donations coming in and being accepted through the month of September. To donate: make checks out to St. Baldrick’s Foundation and send to Eldred Preserve, c/o Lou Monteleone, PO Box 111, Eldred, NY. 12732. T-shirts are still for sale ($10); as are paper doll cut-outs for $1.
To view more photos from the Longest Line Dance event visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.
To learn more about St. Baldrick’s Foundation watch the video below or visit their website.
The Catskill Chronicle 
We had a great time at this event, including trying to do the conga dance in the middle of Route 55. Thanks to Frank and Lou this was a success with the participation of all that were there. God bless America and its’ people.
I just want to thank everyone who helped out and came in support of this event. It was a great day overall and we raised some much needed funds for these children.