Action Center
Thursday June 5, 2008
Walkers Show Support for Chief Reda
A bunch of true blue altruists raised funds for Police Chief Robert Reda’s fight against cancer.
On June 1, at least 100 people, many with dogs, came to Garret Mountain Reservation for the “Walkathon For Bobby” even, sponsored by The Pooky Professor Positive Puppy Training of Little Falls. Lynne Petermann, Pooky Professor proprietor and Reda’s close friend, organized the fundraiser.
The benefit raised thousands of dollars for Reda’s alternative cancer treatments for lung cancer. No exact figure was available as of press time. After submitting a $20 donation, each walker joined Petermann in strolling the 2.8 mile park circuit, or a portion of it. People were invited to bring leashed dogs, which were seen in force.
By noon, more than 50 people had arrived at the depart point, just south of the reservation’s main entrance, with Petermann attending to details by the sign-in table.
A number of people milled about under partly cloudy skies as the 1 p.m. start approached. Still more volunteers arrived, including Reda, his wife Tami, his two children, and the family dog, Mavi, a 2-year-old Rottweiler.
Reda, 51, shared his good mood with some comical remarks. “Does anybody need oxygen yet?” he asked some friends.
The chief also voiced his regard about the walkathon.
“I’m touched by the turnout. It’s a very nice surprise. Lynne did a great job. I don’t know half these people,” he said, about the pack of volunteers.
Tami Reda, 38, mirrored her spouse’s observation. “It’s satisfying to know how wonderful your friends are. It restores your faith in humanity.”
Robert Reda said, as the fundraiser’s focus, he experienced a role reversal. “As a cop, you help people everyday. You don’t expect you need the help.”
Before commencement, Mayor Pat Lepore stopped by. He said the benevolence drive exemplified the town’s bigheartedness towards those in need.
“Anything that brings the community together is a great cause. We’re helping one of our own. It’s the least we can do for someone who spends his career looking out for us.”
Among those participating was Pat Keating, Little Falls recreation director. He was with Hornet, a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever mix. Keating had heard about the “worthy cause” at Club Barks in West Paterson where they were advertising it.
The walkers included Councilman Keith Kazmark, who came with his wife Lauren, and 4-year-old pooch Malcolm, a bulldog mix. Kazmark commented about the unfolding endeavor.
“There was a lot of buzz around town about this. A lot of people respect the chief, so it’s only fitting you see a turnout like this.”
Also present that day was Esther Del Carpio of Little Falls. She appeared with her dog Molly, a Chow mix.
“I know Lynne. I used to babysit her dog. I saw the announcement in the newspaper for the walkathon. It’s a good cause, and that’s what brought me out. Isn’t that nice, when people come out and show they care?”
Reda said his alternative cancer treatments, which are not covered by insurance, average $600 per day. He said his cancer has cleared up, since seeking help from Dr. Brian McCoy, an Idaho natural medicine doctor. The chief said McCoy’s immune system boosting approach works better than healthy tissue destroying chemotherapy or side-affect laden drugs.
“His treatment is the real McCoy.”
Tami Reda also aired her views on McCoy’s natural medicine.
“They treat the whole person. You’re not treated like the next number or patient. I’d like people to know there are alternatives out there. They need to be their own doctor. They need to do their own research,” she said, about considering all possible cancer remedies.
The wife said, to date, her husband’s doctor bills have already run around $22,000. She said the total tab is expected to run $40,000 to $50,000. She said her spouse, in the near future, is due to return to Idaho for a check-up.
Reprinted with permission. (c)2008 Passaic Valley Today (Passaic Co., NJ) Tom Boud
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