East Quogue Community Rallies For Two Dads in Need

The parking lot at the East Quogue firehouse was filled to capacity and the line of people waiting outside stretched down the block as scores of friends, neighbors and even strangers turned out Saturday to help .

In an unrivaled community outpouring of support, approximately 900 registered and had their cheeks swabbed in hopes of becoming a potential bone marrow donor for Tom Corrigan and Matt Curran, two friends who find themselves fighting for their lives.

Both East Quogue resident Corrigan, a retired New York City detective and owner of Tom McBrien’s in Hampton Bays, and Matt Curran, a longtime local bartender and Hampton Bays resident, both have cancer.

Corrigan is battling leukemia and Curran, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both men are racing against time, with a bone marrow match integral to their very survival.

But in adversity, hope is born, and this weekend, an army of angels turned out to support two of their own.

According to local resident Jen Tiska, who organized the event, over $6200 was raised through raffles and a Boy Scout bake sale.

Despite the life-altering mission involved, the mood at Saturday’s drive was upbeat, with all those in attendance waiting patiently for their turn to fill out registration forms and to be tested. And, with turnout exceeding expectations, registration forms ran out with the masses waiting while a new batch was fetched from Queens.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience to see the outpouring of love and concern from the local community,” said Donna Prill, a local physician, who volunteered to collect swab samples.

EMT volunteer Barbara Sulzinski said, “Sometimes it’s good to live in a small town.”

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Curran. “This has been an amazing outpouring.” Curran, a district sales manager for Boening Brothers Beer and Ale distributors, as well as a familiar face behind the bar at Buckley’s and the Boardy Barn, is a member of the Eastern Long Island Police Pipes and Drums. Having lived in the area for 20 years, he said he knows “the people out here take care of one another.”

“But,” he said, “this is far beyond anything I could have expected.”

Curran said he wants to thank everyone who has shown such love and support for both him and Corrigan.

“So many people we know are here – and so many we don’t know, who came out just because of where we live,” he said.

Bob Boden, who works at Corrigan’s establishment in Hampton Bays, said, “All these people have stepped up. We’re a relatively small community, and people come together to support each other. It’s really what’s wonderful about living on the East End – everyone treats you like a brother.”

Of Corrigan, he said, “Tom is a funny, funny man who just loves life. He’s a great family man who worships his children. He’s just a great guy who needs our help.”

Although Corrigan, who has been fighting an infection, wasn’t present in the afternoon hours, his wife Colleen helped man the table and collect swab samples. She explained that the procedure, while relatively painless, “can save a life.”

Of the event, where Corrigan said she saw scores of local friends, in addition to those who came from the old neighborhood in Queens, was “overwhelming.”

A second bone marrow drive will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Cornerstone Tavern in New York City.

Click here for more information on bone marrow donations.