Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘2015 and even this past year were hard, though they are reminders that we have one life and need to keep moving forward and doing what we can to enjoy the ride.’

East Hampton

“2015 was hard. I was diagnosed with an unruptured brain aneurysm at age 35 after attending a 5k honoring a friend’s sister, who had passed away of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

“Multiple doctors had told me nothing was wrong, despite experiencing facial drooping and tingling. At the 5K doctors spoke about tests and symptoms and I knew I needed those tests. After surgery, the doctor told me my aneurysm was growing and would have been a fatal rupture if left untreated. Also, within that 12 month period, I lost a dear friend and a cousin. They were ages 35 and 48, respectively. I had started Exploring Paths in 2013 to teach students how to cycle and to get them out exploring and experiencing what NY had to offer. Partnered with the YMCA and Citi Bike classes began, as well as rides to museums, nature preserves, anywhere that might spark an interest, and seeing their reactions to these destinations and experiences was incredibly fulfilling.

“My aneurysm and Sanae’s and Monique’s passing strengthened my desire to find a way to ensure more students and those wanting to explore had the opportunity. That’s where I wanted to make an impact. My career has been in technology, though wanting a mix of my passions I had been toying with the idea of making Exploring Paths full-time.

My aneurysm and Sanae’s and Monique’s passing strengthened my desire to find a way to ensure more students and those wanting to explore had the opportunity.

“In 2019 I began building a tech platform to encourage teens and the young-at-heart to explore the world. COVID sped it up. In March 2020, I was hospitalized, and that April I lost my job. Needing to fully recover, I decided to move to Long Island and spend time on Exploring Paths. EP launched in May, and in addition to helping youth and families find destinations to visit, our app will be supporting local museums’ youth programming. We have 162 explorers and over 1,100 global in-person and virtual destinations and experiences for them to find. I’m also excited to expand the program to Long Island and will begin teaching classes this summer. 2015 and even this past year were hard, though they are reminders that we have one life and need to keep moving forward and doing what we can to enjoy the ride.”

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