Big wheels will ‘ride for a cause’ at the Mandell JCC in West Hartford in West Hartford on Sept. 10.

Submitted

Big wheels, scooters and bikes will roll out for a cause on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, 4-5:30 p.m. at the Big Wheel Derby at the Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT.

The Derby, now in its ninth year, is a fun filled, back to school afternoon to raise funds for Alyssa’s Angel Fund. Every dollar makes a difference. If not now, when? The afternoon includes a bike/trike ride and multiple family fun activities.

In 2006 Alyssa’s Angel Fund was created by Gayle and Steven Temkin in honor of their daughter Alyssa who has Glycogen Storage Disease, type 1a. They heard Alyssa’s doctor, Dr. David Weinstein (or Doc David as Alyssa calls him), speak with a family whose child was struggling, and was possibly not going to survive.  They could not let that happen to anyone!! Alyssa’s Angel Fund benefits “other” GSD families who are not themselves financially able to get to Doc David.

They made it their personal mission to be sure that everyone who needed, is able to get the medical expertise of Doc David, ALL expenses paid, for themselves and their families. This includes transportation to and from, all hotel, food, medical, corn starch to go home with, and even at times toys and fun stuff to help make the trip even a little more pleasant.

Glycogen Storage Disease, GSD 1a, is a rare Jewish genetic metabolic disease that affects the body’s ability to maintain blood sugars. While Alyssa is able to receive medical treatment many around the world cannot afford it. The Temkins made it their mission to raise funds to help every child get the medical treatment needed for survival.

Registration is $18 per family and can be made in advance or at the door. All proceeds benefit Alyssa’s Angel Fund. For more information, contact Jane Pasternak, 860-231-6342, [email protected] or to register, contact the Member Services Center, 860-236-4571, or visit www.mandelljcc.org. The Big Wheel Derby is made possible by the Mandell JCC Family Room Parenting Center and PJ Library.

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and a member of the JCC Association of North America. For updates, follow the Mandell JCC on Facebook and Twitter. All dates and programs subject to change.