'Tireless Advocate' Named 58th Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal: 'Incredible Honor'

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A woman who has spent years advocating for those with traumatic brain injuries will be honored for her dedication and mission — she was named the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The 58th Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off on Saturday, March 14 at noon.

According to the Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Allyson Barone Scerri "is a tireless advocate and fundraiser for those suffering from traumatic brain injury. The committee is honored to have her as their 58th Grand Marshal."

From the darkest of tragedies, hope was born: Scerri, who, in a heartbreaking twist of fate, lost both her parents to traumatic brain injuries at different times, has devoted her life to helping others navigate that new and unfamiliar terrain.

Allyson Scerri, the founder of New Beginnings, an outpatient facility in Medford and the Brendan House, a residential facility in Riverhead for those learning to live with TBI, is a familiar face on the local Long Island canvas, an indomitable force for good.

Scerri, who lives in East Quogue, recently breathed new life into her mission, opening new centers in Wading River at Little Flower, which had recently closed its adult residential programs on Long Island.

Reflecting on the joy of being named Grand Marshal, Scerri told Patch: "It’s an incredible honor to be recognized in my hometown, where I grew up. It means so much to be able to reconnect with friends and former schoolmates who were part of my early life."

She added: "It makes me feel truly special to be recognized for the hard work I’ve dedicated to honoring my parents through the work I do every day."

The community of Westhampton Beach also holds deep meaning for Scerri.

"I have so many special memories from my childhood and teenage years — places like Club Marakesh and Scarlett’s always bring back wonderful moments from that time," she said.

When she learned that she'd been chosen as Grand Marshal, Scerri said she "was completely shocked. I honestly couldn’t believe it when I found out."

And to be recognized her her years of advocacy makes the honor even more moving, she said.

"Today we have four homes, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see my mission, passion, and years of hard work being recognized."

Looking ahead, Scerri said New Beginnings' 17th Annual "One Love, One Heart" Golf & Gala fundraiser will be held on June 1 at the Westhampton Country Club — a testament to her tireless commitment to caring for others during their hours of greatest need.

"If anyone has a loved one facing cognitive or physical challenges, please don’t hesitate to visit us here," she said.. "We’re here to help."

December 15 marked the 34th anniversary of Scerri's mother's passing; she died of a traumatic brain injury after a car accident, she said.

"My mom was my best friend," she said. "We were inseparable."

Her mother, Scerri said, helped her through a long road with infertility, "every step of the way."

And then came the darkest of days.

"On December 15, we were supposed to see Santa at an event. I was five months' pregnant. I had to go home, because I was so nauseous," she said. "My parents were in a horrific car accident, and my mom Linda died of a traumatic brain injury. She was only 49 years old."

The loss echoed.

"Life was never the same for my family," Scerri said. "I always honor my father because it’s easier. My mom's death is such a deep wound."

Rocked by loss, it was inconceivable that Scerri could lose her father, too, to a TBI.

On February 7, 2007, Scerri’s father, Al Barone, was involved in a "horrifying" motorcycle accident in Florida which left him with a traumatic brain injury, she said. Seeing her father, a man of great strength and independence, inadequately cared for was an unacceptable frustration for Scerri, she said.

She relocated her father to New York to oversee his care and find the best TBI solutions for him, she said.

Scerri believed there needed to be a place where others who were struggling to find advanced TBI rehabilitation, management and recovery could get the care and support they deserved. That vision ultimately became the New Beginnings Community Center.

Her journey has given new meaning to a life shaped by loss.

"I was given a huge gift and the honor of helping so many more survivors. I had a waiting list from the Brendan House. This journey has been the biggest blessing in my life. I made a promise to my dad that his injury was not just for any reason — but that the two of us would change many lives by helping families with the tragedy of injury."

Of her mother, Scerri said, "I miss her beyond words."

She added: "I have spent my life helping others in tragedy in honor of both my parents."