Westchester is Pulling for John Habermann: Mario Cuomo Bridge Wheelchair Crossing set for October 22

Westchester is pulling for White Plains resident John Habermann in his courageous battle with ALS. Friends and family have organized a special event, scheduled for October 22, when they will escort John in his wheelchair across the Mario Cuomo Bridge from Rockland to Westchester and back, using the new pedestrian path.

Formerly a Senior Commercial Banker with BankUnited's National Deposit Group, Habermann retired after his diagnosis with ALS, shortly after his 64th birthday earlier this year. An avid Yankees fan and Little League softball coach, Habermann also served on numerous boards in the Bronx, his hometown. He has been a longstanding member of the Bronx YMCA Board of Managers and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Board for more than 12 years, figuring out ways to raise funds or awareness about projects that would benefit Bronx families in need. He also has a knack for making everyone he meets feel like family, a fact evidenced by the number of non-relatives who call him “Uncle John.”

“There is a reason the name Habermann sounds so much like ‘happy man,’” says Ken Meccia, a friend of Habermann and President of Statewide Abstract Corp. “John is a man who always has a smile on his face and a kind word to say to everyone. It is inspiring to see someone who is still making the most of each and every day in the face of his own personal adversity. COVID-19 has made life a little more challenging for most of us, but John continues to smile and lift each of us up, refusing to let this pandemic or ALS stop him from living life with enthusiasm and joy.”

The event will start at Noon in Nyack which has ample parking at the Rockland Landing for those interested in accompanying Habermann on his bridge crossing. The Rockland Landing is located at 1200 Route 9W in South Nyack, nestled within Interchange 10 of the New York State Thruway. Drivers can access the visitor parking lot from Route 9W. The path is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists via a spur that also connects to the Esposito Trail, local sidewalks, and State Bicycle Route 9. There are 57 parking spots, as well as 2 electric vehicle charging stations, restrooms, bike repair station, and picnic area.

Donations raised through a Go Fund Me page https://www.gofundme.com/f/tvwzse-john-may-have-als-but-als-does-not-have-john will go towards his treatment as well as a fund for his wife and daughter. To learn more about John Habermann and his fight with ALS, visit http://www.jphabs.com.

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