Guest column: Something Special

Written by Donna Burbank-Scambos & Jack Scambos
Thursday, 18 June 2009 11:28

Something wonderful has been happening in this community.  Something that you may be unaware of, or simply didn’t think existed.  But it does, and it thrives in our little area.  We live in a place where people genuinely care, will stop for a little chat, keep an eye out for others, and slow down to let someone catch up. I am talking about all the people who have touched our son Trevor’s life over his lifetime here in Katonah-Lewisboro.

We want to mention a few, and what things, big or small that have made an impact.

First, to all the teachers, administrators, etc. who have helped Trevor through the years, especially Denise Friedly, who saw only good; to Chris Kahn, who we thought had big shoes to fill and stepped in with diligence, resourcefulness, and a sense of calm; to Denise Frasca, who implemented an amazing program, and fought hard for “her kids;” to Peter Beardsley, who, we felt was tirelessly fair, in a job that was extremely tough; and  Heather Koles, who truly has a heart of gold.

To the sports programs at John Jay High School and the coaches who stepped outside of the box to allow Trevor to participate, getting on the bus was huge!  To Nick Savastano, and the rest of the lacrosse coaching staff, Jimmy Clark, and finally, Richard Beckley.  Mr. Beckley encouraged Trevor’s love of sports; something we believe will sustain him for the rest of his life.

To the Teams – what a remarkable group of young men!  Geoff Stearns, Ryder Bohlander, James Whalen, Brian Douglass, Lenny Barden, Chris Daniello, Kevin Drew, so many I could fill this page.

To the wonderful groups at D’Agostino and Lewisboro Parks & Recreation, who have employed Trevor and worked with him over the years.  

To Sergeant “Officer” Frank Secret, who would tell us, every time we nervously dropped Trevor off at a game as his independence increased, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him”.

To Bill Lonergan, who helped us through the legal muck of special need trusts and guardianship.

To Kelsey Vander Werff, an angel, who still makes time to keep in touch with Trevor.

To that girl who stood up for Trevor on the bus when two other girls were teasing him.  We are sorry we never got your name, but I understand you were brave, and it was the right thing to do.

To so many wonderful students in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District who have been nice, friendly and understanding.

To the parents of these kids – you should be proud that your kids show such understanding and compassion way beyond expected.  You have done a great job raising such wonderful young men and women.

To Ed Parchment & Chris DeFilippis, who always figure out a way for Trevor to ride in the Hunter Pace with the BRLA.  

To Uncle Sam, who makes an effort daily in Trevor’s behalf; whether it’s a phone call, postcard, basketball game, or some way for Trevor to be involved.  

To the Keane Family, who would always check to see if Trevor needed a ride, and went way out of their way to do so.

To the everyday people who gave Trevor $1.00 tips at D’Agostino when he bagged your groceries.

To some dear friends and family who have supported us during trying times: Jimmy & Jane Greenebaum, The Burbank crew; again, so many.

And finally, to someone who knows Trevor better than anybody outside his immediate family,  who is a mentor and a friend; someone who has guided Trevor through so many phases of his life with genuine understanding – Matt Rocchio, Trevor’s teacher aide over the past seven years.

I know there are names not listed here, but I also know, there are others who will smile because of some memory they have when they did something for Trevor.

You see, Trevor is graduating John Jay High School this year.  Like so many seniors, he is excited and nervous to move on.  He is planning on attending a Post Graduate school in Massachusetts for a year, with a deferred acceptance into a university program in Virginia.  Trevor is special.  He has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.  But that has never stopped him from being a part of a community that is also ... very special.

With our deepest respect and gratitude,

Donna Burbank-Scambos & Jack Scambos