Community Corner

5 Stories That Will Inspire You

Some people in our communities uplift us.

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts teamed up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.

This post was written by Lisa Finn. It was posted by Joseph Pinciaro.

As a local news organization, Patch tells the stories that give our communities life and heart, and profiles individuals who have the courage and conviction to reach out and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Recently, we unveiled a series of men and women who help those whose lives they’ve touched to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in order to seize their deepest dreams. Here’s a round-up of stories sure to inspire.

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Clint Greenbaum Makes Life's Mission to Pay ‘Miracle Forward’

When Clint Greenbaum’s son Jake was only 3 months old, he and his wife, Elisa, got the news that no parents should ever have to hear —  their baby had a malignant brain tumor.

“He had major brain surgery and then chemotherapy, but he was very lucky — he survived. Most don’t,” Greenbaum said. “He’s an absolute miracle. We call him our miracle boy.”

Find out what's happening in East Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the years that passed, Jake, now 21 years old and unable to speak, developed a love of baseball games — something that inspired Greenbaum to pay his good fortune forward by co-founding of Seats of Dreams, a national nonprofit launched in 2012 that gives donated sports and entertainment tickets to disadvantaged, disabled or sick children.

Making a Difference; Sam Kille and the American Red Cross

Red Cross Regional Communications Director Sam Kille has his hands full. The former U.S. Marine and police dispatcher has now been working since 2011 as the man responsible for public relations and overall communications strategies for the American Red Cross' work in the Greater New York region. In this responsibility-filled position, Kille oversees the organization's media relations and serves as a spokesperson for various events and in times of crisis, and also handles their social media efforts. He previously served as the public relations director Nassau County, first joining the Red Cross in 2007.

But for Kille, setting the right example for his children is equally as important. The busy communications director took some time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions for Patch about the challenges his role comes with and how he's using it to teach his two children good values.

Business Leader Rich Kruse Talks Outsmarting the Recession

Rich Kruse is the founder and president of the nonprofit organization ExecuLeaders, a business association dedicated to further educating the business community and fostering networking. His strategies have helped the organization thrive despite the recession.

Donna Ceravolo: Forging Long Island's Future Leaders

The nation may want to look to the Girl Scouts for its next generation of leaders. In Nassau County, Girl Scout Executive Director Donna Ceravolo is working hard to encourage girls to set goals and learn positive ways to deal socially and in the business world. Prior to becoming a professional Girl Scout, Ceravolo served as chief executive officer of the YWCA of Brooklyn, an organization committed to the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism.

S. Huntington Trustee Aids Children With Disabilities

As an attorney and South Huntington School Board trustee, Ed Nitkewitz is a staunch advocate for children with special needs.

A dedicated volunteer, Nitkewicz coaches TOPSoccer and Challenger baseball teams. He is the chairperson for the Special Needs Faith Formation class at St. Elizabeth's and a corporate fundraiser for Autism Speaks. and a Trustee of the South Huntington School District.


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