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Community Corner

Foundation in Honor of 9/11 Victim Celebrates Mission to Reach Victims of Global Violence

Out of September 11th tragedy, local family pledges to make a difference for victims of war, torture and violence.

Peter C. Alderman of Scarsdale lost his life at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. In hopes of giving meaningful remembrance to his life, his parents began the Peter C. Alderman Foundation.

Its mission is to help address serious mental health issues faced by victims of war, torture and violence across the globe. On Sunday in Mount Kisco, Steven and Elizabeth Alderman of Bedford led approximately 150 supporters in the second-annual Peter C. Alderman walk, of 1.4 miles, from the train station at Kirby Plaza to Lexington Square Cafe on Lexington Avenue.

Short on years but not on wisdom, 16-year-old Jonah Cader of Riverdale made sense of the cause. Lack of medical care, food shortages and poverty are certainly problems, he said, but explained that this seems just as important since we see our own soldiers struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and treatment is available.

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As serious as the stories are that are heard from war-torn areas, there is hope for many PTSD victims. "For people who get treatment," said the foundation's Executive Director Alison Pavia, "90 percent can be returned to health."

On the other hand, PTSD can be lifelong, she said. But while emotional suffering might be the primary factor behind the foundation, celebration of Peter Alderman is what truly drives it. Encompassed within the deepness of his eyes, said lifelong friend John Rich, he was sincere, loyal, caring and always ready with a hug.

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Alderman was no stranger to trying to get the most out of life either. High School classmate Danielle Venokur will never put aside the memory of him standing up, sticking his head all the way out of the front seat of her car and belting out a Prince song. From that, she takes pride in being part of something that can help others regain a love of life.

Greg Janis, a friend, said that the Aldermans have turned something terrible into something that he looks forward to every year. He said that it means the world to him.

Or, in the words of his mother, "The idea of the foundation is to make sure Peter's life leaves a mark."  That was never so apparent to her than at a conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, where 585 officials from 17 countries attended in hopes of enlarging Alderman's mission. An imam from Somalia got to the podium and began conveying his message. "I thought he was yelling death to America or death to the Jews," she said, but the translation told a different story.

He was thanking the Aldermans for coming to Somalia to promote healing and reconciliation, while saying a prayer in Peter's memory. To her, a Muslim cleric praying for a Jewish American who died on 9/11 demonstrates the spirit of her son's life.

The foundation is also leaving its own mark among other well known non-governmental organizations. In Haiti, where a large portion of its population is suffering from PTSD, the Aldermans have teamed up with Partners in Health. 

A similar situation has arisen out of years of civil war in Liberia. "Millions are walking around in a state of shell shock," said Steven Alderman. "And we'll be training nurses for the Carter Center."

Additionally, the Aldermans are among three featured families who have chosen to rise above tragedy in a Sean Penn production called, Love, Hate, Love.

For more information on the foundation, go to www.petercaldermanfoundation.org

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