Unsung Heroes: John and Theresa Braun to be honored for their commitment to ALS awareness

East Northport Middle School school counselor Theresa Braun and science teacher John Braun have been named recipients of the Christine Pendergast Unsung Hero Award by ALS Ride For Life, district officials recently announced. The recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion and commitment to raising awareness and supporting the ALS community. 

A Northport High School graduate and teacher since 2001, John Braun noted the personal connection he has to the organization and its mission. 

Christopher Pendergast, who founded Ride for Life in 1997, was a beloved and influential teacher throughout the district. John, a lifelong East Northporter, was one of his students in elementary school and considers Pendergast an inspiration to this day.

Pendergast bravely led a decades-long fight with ALS before passing away in 2020. “Sadly, our school district has lost two other science teachers to ALS, David Deutch and Gretchen Manzo,” John said. In 2022, John lost his father to the disease: “Needless to say, this organization is near and dear to our hearts.” 

Every year, Theresa and John – in their capacity as SHARE advisors – join students who promote and participate in an annual ALS walkathon at ENMS, hosted by the school’s National Junior Honor Society in support of the ALS Ride For Life. 

Together, the Brauns have inspired students and colleagues through their service, advocacy and leadership. Their work has been strengthened by broad community support. “We consider ourselves very lucky to get so much support from our ENMS family including students, staff, parents and community members in our quest to raise awareness and funds to support the Ride For Life,” they said.

Theresa and John will be formally recognized at the 2026 Annual Honoree Recognition Benefit on April 29 at the Larkfield in East Northport. The award celebrates their ongoing efforts to promote understanding of ALS and their meaningful work in raising critical funds for the cause.

Information on the ALS Ride for Life can be found here: https://alsrideforlife.org. For an article exemplifying Christopher Pendergast’s impact on his students, click here.