By Ashley Pavlakis
Photo credit – Ashley Pavlakis
Sunny Sundays in the summer call for car shows. Judy’s Run hosted the thirteenth annual Rock-N-Roll car show on Sunday afternoon at the Smithtown Historical Society. Judy’s Run is a not-for-profit organization that works to promote stroke awareness and prevention. All proceeds for the event go directly to Judy’s Run.
Bob Zebrowksi, the founder of Judy’s Run, formed the organization in 2008. Zebrowkski’s wife, Judy, suffered from a stroke in 2005 and has dealt with the aftermath ever since. The life-altering event has brought many changes to the lives of the Zebrowksi family. Zebrowski wanted to honor his beloved wife who has since passed away, while also raising awareness so that other people don’t have to go through the same thing.
“When Judy had the stroke, it was sixteen years ago, there was no stroke awareness, the hospitals had no clue. Stony Brook and St. Catherine’s are now Acute Stroke Ready (ASRH)-certified,” Zebrowski told The Messenger.” She was at the Hamlet Rehabilitation Health Care facility for sixteen years and I was there every day. I am committed to this [foundation] because the numbers are 800 people every four minutes and every 40 seconds someone dies.”
The show features eighteen classes of cars dating from the early 1900s to the present. Individuals and car clubs attend the shows to display their vehicles, for the chance to win a trophy, and talk about their vintage rides. The show is judged by the Fabulous 50s & 60s Nostalgia Car Club.
John Forlenza, a second-year president of the Nostalgia Car Club, has worked in conjunction with Zebrowski on the Rock-N-Roll Car show for the past few years. The club is a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote friendship and camaraderie for car enthusiasts on Long Island. Aside from the friendship aspect of being a member of the club, they also support a variety of community and national charities who share the same values.
“It’s all years, makes, and models because the money that we’re charging the cars, the twenty dollars, is all going towards the charity,” said Forlenza. “A lot of the people here are all donating their time today to help him [Bob Zebrowkski] out. Setting up the tables, selling the shirts, and bringing awareness to the cause.”
Cars are not the only spectacle on display at the Rock-N-Roll car show. DJ Steve provided the music, opting for oldies music to match the pleasing aesthetic of the vehicles. Food vendors, 50/50 raffles, and craft tables were on site to give people a range of things to see, do, and hear. More importantly, guests had the opportunity to receive a free blood pressure screening.
“This is only my second year [coming to car shows] because before that I didn’t know if it was going to be a great experience. But you know what, it’s been great. Everybody is super nice, and I met a lot of friends,” said Jim Anthony, the owner of a red 1933 Ford Pickup named Angel.
Zebrowski, a proud owner of a 40s Ford, acknowledged the packed lot in front of him. The rows of cars lined up on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society were of many different years, colors, and styles. Each car and owner were there for the same reason, to support Judy’s Run and the Zebrowksi family.
“We originally started with a run, Judy’s Run. We started Judy’s Run as a 5k at Sunken Meadow. I stopped it in 2017 because I just couldn’t do it, so I said to John ‘What could we do for another event?’ This was born thirteen years ago, and it has really grown. I am over the moon,” said Zebrowski.
Blood pressure screenings are just one of the many tests patients go through when testing for a stroke. Stroke Awareness Month happens in May, but every day is a good day to be mindful of one’s body and the unfortunate possibilities that can change a life in a matter of seconds.
“If you have your blood pressure checked, that’s an indicator right there that something’s wrong. Most likely it’s an occlusion in the carotid artery which interferes with your brain. The whole idea is time. You have four hours, but four hours collapses very fast,” said Zebrowski.
Judy’s Run is doing the work year-round as they take a more educational approach. The foundation puts all of its proceeds toward providing people with the information they need about stroke detection, prevention, what to do when a stroke occurs, and where to find help. The ultimate goal is to lower the number of strokes occurring each year.
With the cause so near and dear to his heart, Zebrowski could not stress enough how important it is to take care of yourself. It’s all about doing the right things to take preventative measures to avoid problems down the road. Judy’s Run is dedicated to educating people, promoting awareness, and raising money for the cause.
“There’s not enough stroke awareness and I will do this till the cows come home,” said Zebrowski.