Part of Lynbrook street renamed in memory of Quinn Linzer, baby with rare genetic disorder

Part of Lenox Avenue in Lynbrook, where 14-month-old Quinn Madeleine Linzer lived before succumbing to a rare illness last August, was renamed Saturday in her honor.

The corner of Lenox Avenue and Birch Street became Quinn's Path, and a new bright red and white sign was unveiled during a ceremony attended by about 100 neighbors and family members. Many wore clothing in Quinn's favorite color -- purple -- while others wore T-shirts bearing her likeness.

Referred to during the unveiling as "The Mighty Quinn," the girl died after a struggle with Neimann-Pick Disease Type A. The rare, incurable genetic disorder causes brain disease, physical regression and death. At the time, experts believed hers was one of only four cases in the country.

All of Lynbrook seemed to embrace the child when they learned of her plight and raised funds and made other contributions to help her family fulfill a bucket list compiled by her parents. It included tasting ice cream, visiting FAO Schwarz toy store, having tea at The Plaza, attending Jets and Mets games, and riding in a convertible.

"The neighborhood has just been amazing," said Quinn's father, Brett, who credited a group of local women who call themselves the Ladies of Lenox Avenue with petitioning the village to rename the street.

"We were part of her path," said Candace Dellacona, a member of LOLA who organized the petition effort. She thanked Assemb. Brian Curran (R-Lynbrook), a former mayor of the village, for "pushing the sign through."

"This little girl, for being less than 2 years old, had such an effect on Lynbrook," Curran said following a ceremony that included Mayor William J. Hendrick. "This shows how special she was and how special the neighborhood is," Curran said.

"From the moment she was born, we saw that she was really special," said LOLA member Lauren Pignataro. She said Quinn, the youngest of three children, brought joy to everyone she met and had a "sassy," no-nonsense personality.

"We hold Quinn's legacy close to our hearts," Dellacona said.

Those wishing to donate to a foundation in Quinn's name to help fund research on Niemann-Pick Disease Type A is asked to visit

quinnmadeleine.org.