Community Gathers to Support Local Family and the Star Foundation

See Photos Below

When Ben Foglio was diagnosed with a rare disease called Salla in 2018, his parents didn’t just passively accept the neurodegenerative disorder. Jessica and Michael Foglio began the Star Foundation, and the impact can’t be denied. “We’ve raised over a million dollars for treatment and research,” said Jessica Foglio, and once a year, the Foglio family gathers the community at Lewisboro Town Park to join in the joy of giving and togetherness.

The fifth consecutive year, the foundation hosted their fundraiser at Lewisboro Town Park on Sunday May 17. So the Lewisboro Fire Department, the Pony Rides, the John Jay Middle School Rock the Halls Band, and lots of good food aside, the star of the show was hard to miss. “He’s the mayor of Lewisboro,” said Molly Gitelson of Ben Foglio.

Glad handling coming natural, Ben was all smiles, and Gitelson’s son knows what it’s like to be swept up. “He’s a super happy person, who lights up the room,” said John Jay’s Owen Gitelson.

Still, the ponies were pretty good competition, and Madi Deblin of Clearbrook Farms had nothing but praise for Cookie. “He’s really good at his job and is always a good boy,” said the farm worker.

A horse is a horse, though, and little Simon McMahon was all cowboy by taking the saddle up in stride. “The ride was bumpy,” said the three year old.

His mom didn’t get to experience herself, but frequent visitors to the park, Caitlin McMahon felt that joining the fundraiser was pretty straightforward. “I’m just happy to support this loving community,” she said.

The mom wasn’t alone, according to Amy Barrow. “Kids in the Rock the Halls Band have classmates who are special needs, so they are motivated to be here,” said the Katonah mom.

An inclusion that is second nature. Her son is a singer but there’s a built in comfort zone that got him to take up the guitar. “The organization is so welcoming and warm that no matter the skill level, he felt free to give it a try,” she said. “His confidence and stage presence has grown so much.”

Aria Pasqualone seemed like she was there already, but as one of the lead singers, the middle school student just loves to rock ’n roll. “It’s a great way to express yourself, and you don’t need to be perfect with every single note,” she explained. “So you can just be yourself, it’s not like work.”

Lee Hillman of Ridgefield wasn’t just down with the sound, though. “They’re having a good time, that’s what matters most,” he asserted.

Sam McTavey agreed, and while he was far from in charge, the Katonah dad didn’t mind pretending. “That’s why they gave me the hat,” McTavey proudly said while wearing a plastic fireman’s helmet.

In all seriousness, though, he was gratified to know the Foglio family and be part of their efforts. “I feel very lucky,” McTavey assured.

Of course, science was included amongst the fun. Dr. Sarah Goebel is a Neuroscience Researcher for STAR and explained the disorder. “They can have cognitive and muscle problems and developmental delays,” said the PhD.

A lack of familiarity is also a problem. “Many clinicians have never even heard of Salla and are not aware of therapies. So we are also trying to put the disease on their radar,” she said.

And if there was ever a face to raise the profile, it belongs to Ben. “If we could see the world through his eyes,” concluded his mom, “he’s an angel on Earth.”

For more info : https://www.star-foundation.io/

Click image for photo