Date: Fri 24-Oct-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Lynn-Simoneau-Howard-Lasher

Full Text:

Drive To Buy Lynn Simoneau's Van Gets A Big Boost From Wall Street

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Mary Hawley's generosity in Newtown over the years has always managed to rub

off onto other residents who have also done their part to make the town

pleasant for everyone.

Newtowners were at it again this past month, pitching in to help a young woman

make the transition from college life to real life.

Those close to Lynn Simoneau began a drive last month to help raise money to

buy her a handicap-accessible van. A senior at the University of Connecticut,

Lynn, 22, moves about with the help of a wheelchair. She is paralyzed from the

chest down after contracting a neuro-muscular disease five years ago during

her senior year at Newtown High School.

To the joy of those who know Lynn, the drive has moved along at warp speed,

already achieving its goal of $20,000. Newtown resident Howard Lasher has come

up especially big, raising $15,000 for the cause.

Mr Lasher, a successful stock broker in New York City, said he read about

Lynn's plight in a recent Newtown Bee article. He wasted little time in

lending a helping hand.

"I was truly moved by what I had heard about her positive spirit, courage and

strength," he explained. "I think you really have to put back into the system

in order to be rewarded in life."

Rick Mazzariello and other members of the "Let's Get Lynn A Van Committee,"

say they are stunned at how quickly people responded. Mr Mazzariello believes

people were especially eager to help out because they were able to see right

to the heart of Lynn. "She's not just handicapped. She's ready and willing to

succeed," he said.

The fund-raiser will not need to continue until Lynn's graduation in May, but

organizers are hoping to keep the drive open for just a bit longer.

"We don't want to stop yet. The remaining money will be used to establish a

trust fund to cover costs for the life of the van, like insurance and

maintenance," Mr Mazzariello said.

Lynn, busy with her books up in Storrs, is reportedly delighted by the good

news. The 1992 Newtown High School graduate can be assured she will have that

van to help her during her post-college days. She continues to battle her

neuro-muscular disease with an open-minded determination and positive

attitude.

Last month, The Bee met with Lynn to talk about her love of basketball, her

studies, her disease and her plans for the future. Since then Lynn was briefly

hospitalized due to respiratory problems, but she has never let her ailments

or her confinement to a wheelchair get in her way. In fact, she has used it to

her advantage.

"If I find in life if there's something that I can't do, I just head in

another direction and something else usually falls into my lap," she said.

Mr Lasher, the father of two sons and grandfather of two grandchildren, said

he called upon a few "special friends" down on Wall Street to help out with

the cause.

"People think there are only bulls and bears on Wall Street. They're also

pussy cats," Mr Lasher said.

A few weeks ago, a special collection by the St Rose Parish community raised

$6,000.

Earlier this week, Ricci's Salon sponsored a two-day cut-athon, which was

expected to raise nearly $2,000. On November 8, the Newtown Health & Fitness

Club will hold an aerob-athon to benefit Lynn.

Individual checks have been mailed in from residents and businesses, and a

Newtown Junior Women's benefit dance has been planned. There is also a

fund-raiser at Sandy Hook School. The American Legion is reportedly holding a

fund-raiser, and a celebrity-items auction at UConn is slated for November 4.

This Friday, the Democrats will hold a dinner/auction at the Mary Hawley Inn,

with part of the proceeds going to the van fund.