September 2025: Member of the Month Spotlight

Carol Ruchalski Trailblazing For Pediatric Cancer Research

Honoring Her Daughter Through The Mary Ruchalski Foundation

In honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, our Board of Directors is honored to spotlight RVC Civic Association member Carol Ruchalski. Carol has lived in Rockville Centre since 2001 with her husband Francis, daughters Ashley, Lyndsey, Mary and son John. The Ruchalski family has tirelessly worked to raise over $1M for pediatric cancer research in tribute to Mary, their beloved daughter who succumbed to rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer.

Mary was a truly special person and her indomitable spirit is remembered by the Foundation’s motto, #BeLikeMary. The foundation’s mission is anchored in the three tenets of Research (raising money for research), Kindness (providing support for other patients and families affected by pediatric cancer and Support (raising funds for the educational and sports organizations that Mary loved). The foundation runs several events throughout the year.  This month in the spirit of “Going Gold” for pediatric cancer Carol’s foundation works with local towns to light various community trees in gold, runns the “Point Lookout Goes Gold,” with a finale of a cross-community showing of gold lanterns and ribbons displayed on September 26th and 27th to “Light the Way” and bring awareness and support to the patients and families who have been effected.

Carol has always been drawn to service and encouraged her children to do the same. Carol shares, “My daughter Ashley is planning her baby shower, and as part of the celebration, she’s asked her family and friends to donate to The Bethany House.  That was a very proud mama moment for me.”

Recently retired as an assistant teacher at St. Joseph’s School in Garden City, Carol also served as a member of the Agnes Mothers Club, the Mercy League, a Girl Scout Troop leader, a member of the Mayor’s Task Force and a member of the RVC Homecoming Committee. Carol shares, “When people, especially children, ask me how they can help remember Mary, I simply tell them to say her name.” 

As to why Carol decided to get involved in the civic association, Carol commented, “Reflecting on what my family considers some of ‘the best days’ in their lives, I remember the special moments we have shared in the simple pleasures of living in a beautiful town to which we felt deeply connected. Those end up being the moments that matter.”

Some of Carol’s favorite places in town include Chadwick’s, Monaghan's, Front Street Bakery and Gino’s Pizza. “These businesses have also been incredibly supportive of all the work we’ve done to honor Mary.”

The RVC Civic Association was delighted to partner with Carol and Mary Ruchalski Foundation as our first community project. We are deeply inspired by the Ruchalski family and Mary’s legacy and their ongoing efforts to make Rockville Centre and the world a better place.

To learn more, please visit: https://themaryruchalskifoundation.org/