Holtsville Bridge to Honor Grace Peshkur

Local politicians announced this week that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed their bill to law in naming the Waverly Avenue Bridge over the Long Island Expressway in Holtsville in honor of Grace Peshkur, according to a statement from the office of New York Sen. Lee Zeldin.

Grace Peshkur, who came from Holtsville, passed away on May 17, 2009, at the age of seven. She suffered from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), also known as Butterfly Disease, a connective tissue condition causing blisters in the skin and mucosal membranes.

“Grace Peshkur touched the lives of so many people in her short life,” said Assemblyman Dean Murray, who introduced the legislation in the Assembly, in a statement. “Grace was so brave at such a young age. Naming this bridge after her not only keeps her memory alive within the community, but also will bring more awareness to this disease in hopes of one day finding a cure.”

“It’s a great honor that we can help a family and community heal after such a tragedy,” Zeldin, who co-sponsored the bill along with Murray and Assemblyman Al Graf, said in a statement. “By naming this bridge after Grace, it can memorialize her and her story as part of the permanent fabric of the Holtsville community. I want to thank all those involved with this effort and I commend the Governor for signing this legislation into law so that we can have a permanent reminder of Grace.”

Because of Peshkur, the last week of October is now reserved as National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week in the United States. The annual school marathon at Chippewa Elementary School is also named in her honor.

All three legislators, as well as Grace’s family and friends, will be planning a bridge dedication and remembrance event in the fall in honor of Grace, according to Zeldin.