That song - "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".

My brother, Melvin had cerebral palsy. Growing up, I was the younger sister who defended him from kids who teased him because of his condition. When I was 9 years old, I told my family that I want to be a lawyer when I grow up. Seeing how my brother had less in life, I wanted him to have more in law. Melvin had a ready smile and he'd often roar with laughter. He loved watching cowboy movies and taking a ride in the car. I remember how he'd gently touch my hand then point to the door to indicate that he wanted me to bring him to the park or somewhere. I'd drive him around and he'd be so happy. My brother did not survive the pandemic and passed away in 2020, at the age of 58, surrounded by family and friends who loved him unconditionally until the very end. Despite the challenges of having a family member dealing with disability, our parents, my sister and I had the joy of knowing and loving him, discovering grace and the unconditionality of love. Indeed, as the song goes , "he ain't heavy, he's my brother." In memory of Melvin, I'm walking with friends and family at the QCP 5K on Saturday, April 29. As you make a donation to QCP, you're literally helping individuals with and families dealing with disability in their journey. Thank you for your generosity!

Why you should help support Queens Centers for Progress

For several decades, QCP has been serving the diverse Queens community fhrough its services and programs for both children and adults with developmental disabilities. These programs and services are all designed to promote independence, community involvement and quality of life. Even during the pandemic, QCP continued its programs and services remotely, and three (3) months after the shut-down, in September 2020, QCP re-opened its in-person services, fully compliant with the prevailing guidelines. 

The resumption of in-person services have been welcome by many individuals with developmental disabilities who are part of the QCP community. Among them is Shermina who participates in QCP's Adult Day Services. Blue is Shermina's favorite color as shown by her hair color. She loves QCP's field trips and according to her mom:"Every morning, Shermina looks forward to going to QCP. In a sense, QCP is also her home."

Indeed, rain or shine and even in the most challenging of circumstances, QCP has proven itself committed and dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our community. Helping and supporting QCP will assure all of us of strength and continuity, after all, we are only as strong as the most vulnerable in our respective families and in our community. 

Footsteps for Progress Promotional Video

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  • Gerald Caliendo Great Job !!! May 2023 $517.50
  • Darlene Borromeo April 2023 $50.00
  • Lora Nicolas Olaes Sorry I couldn’t make it today. April 2023 $20.70
  • Anonymous Hi Lara, Sorry I was not able to join the run. Ching April 2023
  • Popsie panlilio congrats.. April 2023
  • Gerald Caliendo Great Job !!! May 2023 $517.50
  • Romulo Aromin Jr April 2023 $300.00
  • Lara Gregory April 2023 $250.00
  • Jen Cormier Go Lara! April 2023 $155.25
  • Carolina Abalos Thank you Lara for such a great inspiration in leading and supporting this project for the Queens Centers for Progress. April 2023 $103.50