WAPPINGERS FALLS – On December 20, 2023, beloved Wappingers Falls school bus driver and brain tumor survivor Joe Torres celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his life-saving surgery by spreading holiday cheer to his local community. Torres greeted nearly 50 students and seniors as Santa at the Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Center in Poughkeepsie as a way to give thanks and celebrate the holiday spirit.
In August 2013, Torres was diagnosed with a rare, progressive and potentially fatal type of brain tumor, HX Subependymoma grade 1. He received care from Dr. Guy McKhann II, a neurosurgeon at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, who was, at the time, one of very few doctors in New York City who performed the life-saving brain surgery.
Once recovered from the surgery, Torres was inspired to give back to his community. He is now a school bus driver with the Arlington Central School District and regularly participates in and initiates philanthropic events/fundraisers for the community and beyond.
Local students joined him to perform Christmas carols at the senior center. Also in attendance were Dutchess County Executive-elect Sue Serino and State Senator Rob Rolison, who honored the students with a certificate.
