Stony Brook Community Steps Up for Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run

More than 70 students, faculty and staff from Stony Brook University’s School of Health Professions (SHP) joined runners, walkers and volunteers from across the university on October 3 for Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run, which raised more than $15,000 to support families of children receiving medical care.

Hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities® New York Metro, the annual event at Stony Brook University featured a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run/walk to support construction of the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County and only the second on Long Island. The new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is scheduled to open in 2027.

The Department of Physical Therapy led SHP’s participation, with additional support from across the school’s departments and programs. Members of the Program in Public Health and the broader Stony Brook community also took part.

Anthony, for whom the event is named, is the nephew of an SHP faculty member. Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at age 14, he underwent two years of treatment at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. During that time, his family relied on the hospital’s Ronald McDonald Family Rooms for meals, showers and a place to regroup while staying close to him.

“I was thrilled to see the wonderful Stony Brook community come out to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Long Island, and specifically the new Stony Brook House,” said Lisa M. Muratori, professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. “Hopefully, in another year, families with children in need of extended medical care will find their home away from home right here.”

The planned 60,000-square-foot, 30-bedroom Ronald McDonald House will provide no-cost accommodations, meals and other support services for families with children hospitalized at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The facility will include community kitchens, interactive playrooms, an outdoor playground, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities.