A Plainview-based nonprofit was at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park Wednesday, serving an extensive dinner to families ahead of National Rare Disease Day.

The day is an observance held on Feb. 28 or 29 to raise awareness for rare diseases and improve access to treatment for individuals with rare diseases and their families.

Stacy Brennan, the founder of Stacy’s Warriors, has an understanding of what it is like to suffer from a rare disease. 

“It was very scary, and I did not want anything to change for my children,” said Brennan.

Brennan tells News 12 that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, which was eventually declared metastatic. Since then, she has battled cancer in her sternum, spine, clavicle and most recently, her liver.

Brennan formed Stacy’s Warriors shortly after her diagnosis. Stacy’s Warriors has held fundraisers and participated in walks for cancer since its founding.

“I find that helping [others], helps me,” she said. “ Anything that I can do is therapy for me and warms my heart.”

About 10 of Stacy’s Warriors, including members of Brennan’s family and some of her closest friends,  worked together to make the dinner at the Ronald McDonald House possible.

Brennan tells News 12 the dinner was “graciously” catered by Pasta-eria, of Hicksville, at cost and was able to serve up to 85 people.

“I want to acknowledge my friends and my family,” says Brennan. “And of course, all of those who have supported me. All it takes is just a little bit. It’s time to walk the walk and stop just talking the talk.”

Brennan tells News 12 that working at Parkway Elementary School in Plainview has helped her remain optimistic and given her some of the energy she needs to continue trying to make a difference.

“Walking into that school and being with those little ones has helped me get out of bed in the morning,” she says. “Working with the spectacular people that I do has changed everything for me,” she said.

Brennan says she was so touched by the Ronald McDonald House and its mission that she plans to hold a cocktail party over the next few months to raise money to sponsor a stay, or possibly two, for a family in need at the Ronald McDonald House.

“Being diagnosed with something that is a deadly disease, you think to yourself, ‘I have two choices: I can either become very bitter… or I can do something about it,’ said Brennan.