After Wendy Abrams’ 1-year-old son received the devastating diagnosis of a tumor on his brain stem, she wanted him to experience something most children enjoy: swinging on a swing.
The infant suffers from a glioblastoma, which causes a failure to thrive and a loss of the use of his limbs.
“The news was devastating,” Abrams, of Rockville Centre, told Patch. “I immediately started to think of all the things I wanted my son to experience.”
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However, Abrams, who works in the Dime Savings Bank in Cedarhurst, could not find a swing suitable for handicapped children near her home. One of Dime's regional managers heard about her situation, and the bank purchased a swing for the Rockville Centre School District, which installed it at Riverside Elementary School.
“I was brought to the school and shown the new swing, with my son's name on it,” Abrams said. “What an amazing gift from an amazing organization. I am hoping ... other children will be able to enjoy the swing.”
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The swing will remain at the school for the summer, according to Abrams. During the school year, it will be set up on the weekends.
Dorene Finnegan, the regional manager at Dime, and Terrence Mitchell, executive vice president, led their company in purchasing the swing.
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