E. Setauket Mom in the Running for Island-Wide Mother's Day Contest

Karen Farley Peshkur of East Setauket is a single mom raising her daughter Emma. But there is so much more to her story: Peshkur's first born child, Grace, passed away at the age of 7 after suffering from a rare disorder called Recessive Dystrophic Epidermis Bullosa. And a few years later, Peshkur's husband Michael passed away, too.

Citing Peshkur's inner strength and character, her friend Maureen Eichholz has nominated her for I Heart Long Island's "Mother of All Long Island" contest.

"When I am reminded of Karen and the level of patience she must have and how life is so precious, it makes me want to be a better Mom," Eichholz wrote in her nomination essay. "She is an inspiration."

Read Peshkur's story here, and vote for her by clicking "Like" on this Facebook app.