The Marty Lyons Foundation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, commemorating the opening of their new national headquarters in Commack. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to providing wishes for children with life-threatening or terminal diseases.

The Marty Lyons Foundation was founded in 1982, and differs from other similar charities in that it will consider providing a second wish to deserving child.

Marty Lyons, the former defensive tackle for the New York Jets, attended the event with other board members, supporters and volunteers. Foundation Executive Committee Vice Chairman and former NY Jet Kenny Schroy attended the event, as well as Foundation Long Island Chapter President Peter Michalewicz.

Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick, New York State Senator John Flanagan and Suffolk County Legislator John M. Kennedy Jr. were also in attendance.

The new office is located on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack. Three staff members will work out of the facility, and be responsible for coordinating programs for the foundation.

The original headquarters for the foundation was in Uniondale, but later moved to Manhattan.

“Long Island is where the Foundation started and it feels good to be back.  We have a new facility, a new staff and are prepared to move forward and continue to grant more wishes than ever before. The Foundation’s success is based on our staff, Board members, volunteers and the corporate community that supports our efforts in granting wishes for children and helping their families during difficult times,” Lyons said in a press release.

The foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and has provided wishes for over 6,500 children between the ages of three and 17. All children that the foundation serves have been diagnosed with a terminal or life-threatening illness.

The Marty Lyons Foundation now has ten chapters serving 13 states.

[Source: Mary Lyons Foundation]