Community Helps Beloved Local Music Teacher Battling ALS

MANORVILLE, NY — The community is opening their hearts to help a well-loved music teacher who is facing her greatest challenge.

A GoFundMe page, "Let's Help Barbara Sapanaro" was created by Kristin MacKay, Barbara's sister-in-law.

MacKay, along with her husband Frank, and all of Barbara's family, are raising funds to support Barbara’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, she said.

"The family received the heartbreaking news of Barbara’s diagnosis in November, 2020," MacKay said. "Due to the progression of her illness and the cost of potentially life-improving treatments, we are making this appeal to raise funds to help her receive the best medical care available and to provide for related expenses."

Barbara and her husband John live in Manorville and have two children, Johnny and Joey, MacKay said.

"Their home has always been the heartbeat of the extended family and a place where everyone gathered to enjoy holidays and make wonderful memories," she said. "Anyone who knows Barbara knows how much she loves to create special moments that bring joy to people’s lives."

Barbara was a longtime and beloved music teacher at Hobart Elementary School, and was always very active in her church and close to her many friends, MacKay said.

"She is also known to pitch in and help organize events and fundraisers for various causes that benefit the community, the William Floyd School District, the Sharks football team at Eastport South Manor junior/senior high school, the Assembly of God Church in Center Moriches, and the East End Women’s Choir, just to name a few," she said.

ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control and difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing, MacKay explained.

"Barbara began showing signs of illness just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in New York during the spring of 2020, and her health declined quickly over the last few months as she sought a medical diagnosis," she said. "To reverse the trajectory of the illness, she intends to try both traditional and experimental treatments not covered by insurance."

Funds raised will help cover the costs of expenses. The family has had financial stress over the past years, with John injured on the job, one son in college, and the other, a high school senior who has college ahead, MacKay said.

The William Floyd School District, MacKay said, organized an "amazing send-off" for Barbara on her last day of work recently. "There was a car parade, singing, music — and between her family, including her boys — and her co-workers, she was completely surrounded by love and support."

Barbara recently started regular acupuncture sessions and received a stem cell treatment.

"She is placing hope in some of the alternative treatments available, and could not have received this care without all of your support," MacKay said. "So thank you again for your generosity and for helping Barbara in this fight against ALS."

In recent weeks, Barbara has been having trouble walking and was just "truly blessed on Monday when she received a stairlift courtesy of Phil Cuzzi," MacKay said. "He is a major league baseball umpire that started a foundation to pay for equipment for people with ALS. She was so grateful to get the device."

The love has buoyed the family's spirits, MacKay said.

"Help us pray for Barbara’s miracle and healing," MacKay said. "Help us show the Sapanaro family, and especially her children, that the community is there for them, just as Barbara has extended herself whenever anyone was in need."

To donate, click here.

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