Fundraiser For Local Family Awaiting Heart Transplant

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Running Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser on Friday, April 4th from 4pm-10pm to help support the family of AJ Riello, son of Tony and Heidi Riello of Pittsfield.  
 
AJ is currently at Boston Children's Hospital undergoing treatment for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that had only recently shown symptoms. AJ is now awaiting a heart transplant. 
 
The fundraiser will be open to the public in the Tavern at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, Benedict Rd in Pittsfield, MA from 4pm -10pm.  The event will have raffles with prizes from local businesses, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction; in addition to a sold-out Music Bingo game from 6pm-8pm in the ballroom.
 
Prizes can be donated for the raffle and donations can be made by contacting Shiobbean Lemme, the executive director of the Berkshire Running Foundation by emailing her at director@berkshirerun.org.  
 
Raffle tickets can also be purchased in person at Berkshire Running Center any time before the event. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win, prizes will be held for 30 days and then donated to the family.
 
Bracelets to support the family are also available for $5 each at Berkshire Running Center, Rocco's North End Barber Shop and Kileen, Quinn and Arace PC in Pittsfield
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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