Joshua Altchek talks about his community involvement.
Which organization are you involved in and what is its objective?
I am involved with The Jacob Isaac Rappoport Foundation. This amazing organization was created in memory of my nephew Jacob who died at the age of 9 months from a genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a debilitating, genetic neuromuscular disease and is the leading genetic killer of children under the age of two. SMA destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement, which affects crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even swallowing. One in every 6,000 babies is born with the disease and half of children diagnosed with the most severe form will not reach their second birthday. SMA can strike anyone of any race or gender. One in every 40 people (7.5 million Americans) carries the gene that causes SMA. There is no known cure or treatment.
The Jacob Isaac Rappoport Foundation raises money to fund research for a cure or treatment for SMA and to fund programs that assist affected families. The organization’s programs are administered through a national organization called Families of SMA (a Kaufman, Rossin client).
What is your role with the organization?
I am a volunteer for the annual fundraiser, Jacob’s Run, Walk & Roll. As a volunteer, I help in any way needed to help make the event successful. Whether it means working the day before to help prepare supplies, waking up before dawn on the day of the event to help set up, or even in one emergency situation bringing some Microsoft Excel skills picked up at work to help with a registration issue – whatever is needed.
Why did you decide to get involved in this organization?
The decision to get involved was made for me … I was there in the hospital the day that Jacob was born. I was there to watch him struggle to move, swallow and even breathe. I watched the life of a loved one – a baby – get taken decades before it should have, yet watched him fight every day. He was an inspiration to me, as well as everyone who had an opportunity to meet him. My involvement is to honor my nephew and support my family.
How has Kaufman Rossin contributed to your success with this organization?
Kaufman, Rossin’s support of the foundation has been tremendous, both financially as well as helping to promote general awareness. Not only do many individual employees make personal donations, the firm has been a sponsor of the event since its inception. The generosity of everyone, year after year, has been incredible.
What is your advice for others who are thinking about getting involved in the community?
Get involved! Find a cause that you believe in and put forth the effort to make a difference. The dividends you receive will come in many forms: watching your hard work push the effort forward and reaching milestones; being able to bring joy to the people you are helping; being there to support your family; and honoring a loved one. In my case it was all of the above.
