Borough Council Honors Prolific Teen Fundraiser

Zachary Stein has participated in the March of Dimes' March for Babies nearly as long as he's been alive because without the organization, he might not be.

Born five-and-a-half weeks premature, Stein spent his earliest days receiving life-saving treatment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit developed from March of Dimes research. For the past 15 years, he and his family have shown their appreciation for the organization by participating in the March for Babies to raise awareness of and funding for March of Dimes research operations. 

As a preemie, Stein has faced many struggles, surgeries and therapies over the years, but it hasn't lessend his resolve.

He's received youth fundraising awards, been interviewed for radio and magazines, appeared in a public service announcement and even got to meet Yankee greats Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada.

Fair Lawn has recognized Stein's work by proclaiming a "Zachary Stein Day" in his honor each of the past three years, his father, Bob said.

This year, council chose Tuesday night, April 23, to honor Stein.

"I can see that you've met some very famous people," Mayor John Cosgrove said after the borough clerk read Stein's proclamation. "We're not as famous as they are, but we'd like to have your picture taken and present you with this proclamation."

Stein, now a senior at Fair Lawn High School, enjoys cooking, baseball and video games. He aspires to be a professional chef.

"[Zack] has had numerous operations over the years, therapies, missed milestones and developmental delays," Bob Stein said. "But that has helped shape him into the wonderful kid he is today."

Zack and his family will participate in this year's March for Babies at Wayne Hills High School on Sunday.

The four-mile walk begins at the high school and then winds through the neighborhoods of Wayne. It serves as a celebration of the premature babies that have been saved and honors the premature babies that have been lost.

With four days until the race, the Steins and their supporters, known as the "Zack Pack," have raised $2,316 of their $2,500 March of Dimes goal.

If you'd like to donate to the Zack Pack or join them at this year's walk, visit www.marchforbabies.org/zacksdad to learn more.

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