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During his outstanding career as a defensive lineman for the New York Jets, Marty Lyons was a fierce competitor and an integral member of the Jet’s famous New York Sack Exchange.
But Lyons was always much more than a great football player.
The Jets’ Ring of Honor member is a Hall of Fame person when you consider the work he has done with his foundation and the impact he has had children and their families.
The Marty Lyons Foundation will celebrate “40 Years of Granting Wishes” on Friday, Nov. 18, when they hold a gala at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. Over the 40-year history of the foundation, over 8,200 wishes have been granted to children that are in critical or life-threatening condition.
One of the special guests at the gala will be current Jets defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who has partnered with the Marty Lyons Foundation to raise money to grant a special wish for a young girl battling cancer. Franklin-Myers is raising money through performance plays throughout the season to grant 10-year-old Luna Perrone of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida a soccer turf in her backyard.
Luna was initially diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in January of 2021 and she has been receiving ongoing treatment.
“I have always been involved with charities such as the Sarcoma Foundation, a nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for Sarcoma cancer,” said Franklin-Myers. “The wish and fundraising effort is being done in honor of my late grandfather. I am dedicated to raising money both on and off the field this season in order to grant Luna’s special wish.”
Ewing’s Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. Luna, depending on her treatment is scheduled to attend the gala. She suffered a relapse in September, but despite her treatment, she’s still excelling on the soccer field. Luna continues to participate in everyday activities and also came up a winner in her most recent soccer tournament.
The LandTek Group is working together with the Marty Lyons Foundation to provide the necessary equipment and resources in order to construct a soccer turf at Luna’s home.
“We commend the New York Jets and John Franklin-Myers for their continued support of the Marty Lyons Foundation mission,” said Lyons. As Luna continues her battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, John will continue his efforts on the field to help raise money to grant Luna’s wish.”
The foundation has been doing great things for four decades and it will certainly be a special night for Luna Perrone and all of the guests next Friday at the Marty Lyons Foundation gala. For more information, please text 22MLFGALA to 41444.
To help grant a wish, click here to donate.
Top: Marty Lyons with a young recipient who was granted a wish through the Marty Lyons Foundation. (Courtesy)
