Residents gathered for the 10th annual Breathe for Britt Bandstand help raise money for people with cystic fibrosis.
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Breathe for Britt Foundation is a nonprofit that supports Long Island families impacted by cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease that affects the digestive organs and lungs. The event honors the memory of Brian Kane, the man who helped start the organization as a tribute to his goddaughter Brittany Braun, who died at age 14 from the disease.
“We're here to give support in whatever way we can. We do grocery assistance for patients struggling to do that. We do transportation assistance to help them get to clinic appointments. We also celebrate birthdays if a child is in the hospital,” said Laura Schanars, the foundation’s director.
Crowds of people arrived at Katie’s in Smithtown to see Randy Jackson of the band Zebra and live music from members of Port Jefferson’s School of Rock. Attendees at the event also enjoyed raffles and food.
“It's a good foundation and a good cause,” said Ryan McGovern of the School of Rock.
Organizers hope the event will help to further efforts to treat cystic fibrosis.
"We hope to do this for a long time until maybe someday there won't be a need to do it anymore," said co-organizer Ed Skiseng.