RSS 2.0 FeedMarch 24, 2011, Cover Stories, Merrick Life
Robbie Rosen to perform at Islanders game Saturday
Former “American Idol” contestant Robbie Rosen will sign autographs and perform original song “Make It Through” at the Islanders game on Saturday, March 26, at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale.
Robbie Rosen sits with two-year-old Sophia Graynor, for whom he was inspired to write the song "Making It Through."
photo courtesy of the Rosen family
by Dyan LeBourdais
used with permission of the New York Islanders
This summer, Merrick native Robbie Rosen set out with the dream to become the next American Idol. He performed so well, he made it all the way to the final 16 contestants.
As one of Long Island’s own, the New York Islanders have invited Robbie to perform his original song “Make It Through” for all fans in attendance when the Islanders take on the Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 26.
He will sing during the second intermission and sign autographs from 6-6:30 p.m. on the concourse.
“I am so excited for this opportunity,” Robbie said. “I enjoyed my experience with ‘American Idol’ and I look forward to continuing to share my music and my passion for performing. I sang the National Anthem at an Islanders game last season, but being able to perform my own song will be even more special.”
Robbie is not only musically talented, but is an AP [Advanced Placement] Honors student with an A+ average at Calhoun High School, was selected to All-State vocal jazz, is an All-County third baseman and switch-hitter, and has dedicated his time to write and record a song for a young girl battling a horrific disease.
As a result, the 17-year-old’s music has already touched the hearts of so many. Inspired by toddler Sophia B. Gaynor, who is battling spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Robbie wrote and recorded an original song called “Make It Through.”
According to SophiasCure.com, “SMA is the leading genetic killer of children under the age of two. It is a terminal, degenerative disease that takes away a child’s ability to walk, stand, sit, eat, breathe and even swallow. It is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive trait (a person must get the defective gene from both parents to be affected).”
Sophia – who turned two on February 27 – has the most aggressive form of the disease (Type 1), which is terminal.
“Helping raise awareness for Sophia’s Cure is something I am really proud to be a part of,” Robbie said. “To know that my voice can help give a voice to this cause is humbling.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 1-800-882-ISLES, ext. 3, or e-mail groupsales@newyorkislanders.com.
Sophia’s cure mission statement
“Sophia’s Cure Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity, which was formed shortly after our daughter was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. The foundation was created to assist in funding for clinical research towards finding a cure for SMA and to offer support to families affected by this disease by providing advocacy, awareness, education and support. “We believe every child affected by SMA should be given a chance to live a long and normal life.”
