MONTAUK, NY (February 26, 2014) — For the past two years, the Montauk Canyon Challenge has helped raise $8,000 for the Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center at the North Shore-LIJ Health System.
Proceeds from the sales of raffle tickets and donations from participants of the annual off-shore fishing challenge help to cover costs typically not covered by insurance providers and other organizations. These include the purchase of specialized equipment, such as Haberman Feeders and feeding plates, that ease the difficulties children born with clefts or other craniofacial disorders often experience during feedings. Haberman Feeders are specially designed for babies with impaired sucking abilities and are provided at no charge to families. The plates are customized for each patient to help improve feedings by covering the hole present in those with cleft palates. Funds have also been put towards the purchase of specialized nasal molding devices that help realign the nose, often reducing the amount of surgical correction required during treatment.
“Children with craniofacial disorders require many services that are considered non-essential by insurance providers,” said Stephen Sachs, DDS, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Hagedorn Center. “Having the support of Rich Lucas and David O’Halloran, who organize the Montauk Challenge every year, provides an invaluable service to children.”
This exceptional two weekend tournament has seen the participation of 200sport fish enthusiasts and hopes to attract new anglers in upcoming years. The 2014 tournament presented by Staten Island Yacht Sales will take place July 18 through July 27. To find out more information on the challenge, contact Rich Lucas at rcluas@siyahcts.com or David O’Halloran at david@pinegroveranch.com, or visit: montaukcanyonchallenge.com.