Lauri Strauss grew up in Port Washington and graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School where she was a cheerleader.
“She was very vibrant, loved life,” Lauri’s mother, Evelyn Strauss, said.
But at the age of 26, Lauri Strauss was struck with acute myelogenous leukemia.
“She died within seven months from beginning to end, never sick before and that’s scary,” Evelyn Strauss said.
To honor her daughter, Evelyn Strauss started the Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation, hoping to find a cure for leukemia and similar cancers.
The foundation, according to its website, awards Discovery Grants to innovative developmental research projects at many of the most respected medical institutions in the U.S. Thus far, the foundation has awarded 118 grants totaling more than $4 million. The foundation also provides palliative care, conducts marrow donor drives and promotes cord blood donations.
On May 22, the foundation hopes to boost its support by hosting the fifth Annual Ride for Research Bike Tour in Port Washington.
Strauss said she began the annual ride and bike tour five years ago with Port Washington Bicycle Store owner Ralph Intinoli, whose wife died of cancer.
Foundation Executive Director Laura Knepper said last year the Bike Tour raised more than $40,000 and they’re hoping to increase that number this year.
“Every year, it has gone up,” Knepper said. “So I’m hoping we can raise at least $40,000.”
“This event has been crucial in raising money for research,” Strauss said.
This year’s event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Soundview Marketplace, located at 17 Soundview Marketplace in Port Washington.
Participants will have three options — a 14-mile ride and 21-mile ride that both start at 8:30 a.m. and a 5-mile ride/walk that starts at 9 a.m.
Before May 20, the registration fee for an adult is $35, for children $25.00 and $50 for those who register on the day of the event.
Everyone participating gets a free water bottle. Those participating will also be entered into a raffle to win a Trek bike worth $450 dollars.
Those attending the event can purchase a $20 raffle ticket to be entered in the drawing. Late registrants will receive T-shirts while supplies last.
The top three individuals and top three team fundraisers will be awarded a winner’s certificate and a gift basket, along with being named in post-event publicity.
Strauss said the main sponsor of the event is The Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation.
“Dejana is very generous. We’re very grateful,” she said.
The Bike Tour is conducted in cooperation with the Nassau County Police Department, the Port Washington Police Department, the Port Washington School District, the Town of North Hempstead, and villages of Flower Hill, Manorhaven, Plandome, Port Washington North and Sands Point
“The family is from Port Washington, it’s for a great cause and if you want to support the town and you do town events this is a great town event to do,” Knepper said. “As well as it’s helping sick people.”
For more information, to register or buy raffle tickets, go online lslf.org
