Oneonta Heart Run & Walk: Connor and Mr. Sandoli
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: March 14, 2012
Utica's Greatest Heart Run and Walk is over for this year, but Oneonta's Heart Run and Walk is just getting started.
Families and friends will gather in teams at the end of March in Neahwa Park in Oneonta.
Eyewitness News Reporter Jennifer Lee shares the story of two people living with heart-related issues.
But, she explains how "that" doesn't stop them from doing what they love.
"I look at everything from a positive from it," says 15-year-old Conner Tabarone.
Meet Connor Tabarone, a 15-year-old freshman in high school who loves everything about baseball.
"The kids are what make the thing worthwhile. I just enjoy it. It's fun," explains Mr. Sandoli.
Mr. Sam Sandoli, a substitute teacher is passionate about his students.
But, what you may not know is that both Connor and Mr. Sandoli live with heart-related conditions.
"I have truncus arteriosus. I was diagnosed with eight days old with it. It basically means that one of the valves didn't form like it should have," says Connor.
"Being a teacher all the firemen that came up were students of mine and asked me what the heck did I do. I told them I just couldn't breathe," says Mr. Sandoli.
Mr. Sandoli had a heart attack.
However this isn't stopping Connor or Mr. Sandoli from what they love best.
This week, he says he's trying out for the Oneonta High School baseball team.
Connor says he has been playing baseball all his life and isn't letting his heart condition hold him back.
"It made me nervous in some of the activities I do like getting hit in the chest. But I know doctors do a great job. Like when I had open heart surgery a year and a half ago. I know they did I good job with it and nothing is going to come loose," says Conner.
Mr. Sandoli says he had his heart attack about six years ago, but he says it's not stopping him from teaching.
It is, however, stopping him from eating certain foods.
"When I go shopping it takes me 2 hours because I read all the labels on the packaging. Some of them I don't dare eat. I am more aware of what I intake to keep me healthy," says Mr. Sandoli.
Connor and his family have been participating in the Heart Run and Walk for three years now.
And, even though this will be Mr. Sandoli's first year, it's all from and for the heart.
