Floral Park, NY - January 12, 2015 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano presented Citations to Floral Park Memorial High School Alumni Jules Alonzo and Kyle Vidasolo in honor of their successful “Ride for Ethan.” County Executive Mangano commended Jules and Kyle stating, “These special young people showed us their compassion by reaching out to others and helping them. On behalf of the 1.3 million Nassau County residents I thank you for your leadership and commitment to helping others. These young men today are our leaders of tomorrow.”

Jules and Kyle set out to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) by bicycling 237 miles around the Grand Canyon. The two friends learned that that their former English teacher at Floral Park Memorial High School Dustin Demmers had been given the news that his 5 year old son Ethan had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). “Knowing that Mr. Demmers was the kind of teacher that always did so many nice things for the entire student body, we figured it was time that someone did something nice for him in return,” said Vidasolo.

As Jules and Kyle learned about DMD and the effects it has on the patient and the family, they knew they had to act. They learned that the devastating disease will slowly attack every muscle in Ethan’s body, eventually causing him to permanently be in a wheelchair. This motivated Jules and Kyle to help, in the only way they knew how, and so the “Ride for Ethan” fundraiser was born.

This year Jules and Kyle completed the 237 mile ride around the Grand Canyon and surpassed their fundraising goal of $9,000. Jules explained to County Executive Mangano that “plans are underway for the “2015 Ride” with various levels for riders of all abilities to participate. Proceeds from the “2015 Ride” will benefit all of the children affected by DMD. It is the hope of Kyle Vidasolo and Jules Alonzo that their Ride and the funds raised in future rides will one day help fund a cure for this devastating disease. To learn more about muscular dystrophy visit the website. To learn more about Ethan and his journey visit the website.