Pingry seniors Michelle Aueron, Liz Gallo, Sandra Hough, Liz Lan, Robin Moore, Anna Porges, and Natalie Schifano worked together on their Independent Study Project (ISP) in memory of their friend, John Babbitt. They organized a walk-a-thon to raise funds for the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, established to increase awareness and fund research for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The walk-a-thon was held at The Pingry School on Sunday, May 13, 2007 and included a 3-mile run, 3-mile walk, and raffle. It was a day full of music, food, and prizes, dedicated to raising money for this important charity. More than 700 students and families from the area participated, and more than $92,000 was raised for the foundation!

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease which thickens the heart muscle and can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. It is estimated that about 1 in 500 individuals have HCM, and it is the number one cause of sudden death in young athletes. With early detection, usually achieved through medical screening and an echocardiogram, most patients can lead relatively healthy lives. John Taylor Babbitt’s loss to HCM was tragic, and his parents, JoAnne and David, hope that, through their Foundation’s activities and fundraising, they can increase awareness of this disease and provide support for genetic research.



© 2007 The Pingry School