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2020 Memorial Fundraiser


2020 Beneficiary - Patricia Nicolini

When my daughter was three I became a single mother and living in the Bronx. Growing up on Long Island I decided I wanted to move back and raise my daughter here. So I began to search for a new job and was fortunate enough to land a position with Alure home improvement. That was the best move I ever made. A company where I turned a job into a thriving career. Shortly after I was able to buy a very small home in west Babylon that needed a lot of work. But I was young and took on the task and changed it from the worst house on the block to one of the nicest ones on the block and a great school district for my daughter.

In 2014 I sold my house and bought a townhome in Bayshore village and I love it here. It is in walking distance into town and only a mile from the marina. I've also been able to do some nice upgrades to my new home.

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In July 2018 my daughter left the nest and moved into her very first apartment. Then on August 8, 2018 just three weeks after she moved out, I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. I had no symptoms other than a small amount of pain and a tiny spot on my head. Then a small lump formed and they found a tumor that eroded through my skull. This had metastasized from my right lung. On August 10th they removed the tumor and replaced it with a metal plate. In October they removed my upper right lobe of my lung. Then a few weeks later I started 10 radiation treatments to my skull and then started chemo. Unfortunately, I only made it through two rounds of chemo as I had a very bad reaction and landed in the hospital with severe edema and low platelets.

They treated me with diuretics and a blood transfusion and was released seven days later. They allowed my body to heal for a while then in February I started another treatment. It was a six-week treatment where I did five days a week for six weeks of radiation to my chest area (as they also found a suspicious spot on my upper left lung sitting very close to my aorta which is in operable). Along with the radiation every day, on every fifth day I also received chemo had a milder dose. again, this was for a total of six weeks. I made it through the treatment and again they allowed my body to heal for about a month.

Next, they started me on immunotherapy. I only made it through five treatments and developed severe pneumonitis which is severe inflammation of the lungs which also landed me in the hospital for a week. I was then put on very high doses of steroids and was weaned off after approximately two months. After I stop that treatment the pneumonitis came back but worse than before. This time I went on even a higher dose and they weaned me off much slower, a total of 6 to 7 months. The first week of May 2020 I was told after my scans that there was no evidence of the disease meaning no more cancer or pneumonitis. I was overjoyed!



Three weeks later I started having severe abdominal pains. I called my doctor and he said to call the gastroenterologist because my scans are clean. But within days the pain became so severe I went to my nearest emergency room but they also did a scan and found nothing. I was also now having extreme pain in my intestinal track. I made an appointment with a gastroenterologist who made an appointment for a colonoscopy but the soonest appointment was a month out.

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I then decided to also make an appointment with my OB/GYN. They were able to squeeze me in within two weeks And did a sonogram and a uterine biopsy which came back malignant. Not just malignant but it also spreads to one of my ovaries and my colon.

On September 11, 2020 I had a radical hysterectomy and they removed the tumor resting on my colon. But because of the tumor placement they had to leave some cancer cells behind on my colon. Currently I have just completed my second round of a very aggressive chemo which has caused severe bone pain, nausea and extreme fatigue just to name a few of my symptoms. My daughter is currently staying with me because my side effects seem to be lasting almost 2 weeks and my chemo treatments are every three weeks.

I have not been able to work in over two years and am on disability. I am not eligible for Medicare till September 2021 and my medical insurance cost me $902 a month I've tried to find less expensive insurance that covers everything I need but cannot. My family helps me financially when they can and I'm barely getting by. Emotionally it's hard because for a very long time I was always very good at what I did. I was very independent and made a good living. I'm not the type of person who has ever accepted charity. I was always the one who gave to charity , was involved in dog rescue and started fundraisers for quite a few friends in need over the years. Still can't wrap my head around having developed two completely separate stage four cancer's in two years' time. It's also difficult being single and fighting this dreaded disease. Fortunately, I have a great support system that include a wonderful family and wonderful friends. And for that I am extremely grateful.

To all of you who have taken the time to read through my very long story I thank you from the bottom of my heart. In a blink of an eye our lives can change and we never see it coming. But I am a fighter and even though this all sounds so bleak I still have hope!


2020 Beneficiary - Timothy Ferro

Tim, an electrician by trade, was working on his first large solar project. During that time, he began to experience discomfort in his left arm and shoulder. He dismissed the pain as normal wear and tear on a 40+ year old active body.

Since his early youth, Tim was physically active his entire life - he wrestled in high school, served his Country in the US Navy and thereafter trained in multiple forms of MMA.

Now in his mid 40s, Tim was on top of the world. He married Erin, whom he had met on the site if Extreme Makeover Home Edition 15 years ago. Together they grew their family to include three beautiful children, Ali, Mia and Gary Bryson.

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From a career perspective, Tim was also about to realize his dreams - working towards membership in the prestigious Local 3 Union in NYC. Everything in life was going to plan.

However the pain and discomfort persisted. Tim went to an orthopedic to get examined. From that point on, Tim's life would never be the same. After several doctor visits, he had an official diagnosis - an encapsulated chrondosarcoma of his left humerus. In plain terms, a cancerous tumor!

Over the next few months, Tim visited many doctors for consultation. In the meantime, he continued to work through the pain, even as the pain became intolerable. Finally the inevitable had arrived, surgery was required to remove the tumor. The procedure entailed cutting the left humerus in multiple places and then cleaning out the bone.  Additionally medical hardware needed to be placed in the arm to hold the bones together. Tim's life would be changed forever. Things that we take for granted such as going to the gym, going to work, etc. would not be the same for him.

For an active person like Tim, you can imagine the impact of not being able to do things that we all take for granted. However his greatest fear is not being able to provide for his family.  Tim's life was all falling into place and then in an instant had changed forever through no fault of his own.

For those who know Tim, he has always been there for his family and friends. At this time, however, Tim and his family need our help. Tim had a successful surgery but still has a long road to recovery with continuing follow up doctor visits and several months of rehabilitation.

Thank you for your prayers and any financial assistance you are able to provide to help Tim and his family get through this challenging time.


11th Annual Memorial Fundraiser

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Sponsorship Opportunities

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Mr. Michael Alber - 2019 Guest of Honor

Michael is the Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Michael J. Alber, P.C. a boutique litigation firm concentrating in Matrimonial and Family Law, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation. Many of his cases have been publicized in the media by New York Times, New York Post, Wall Street Journal and Newsday.

His representation has ranged from representing individuals to corporations. He has represented doctors, lawyers, CEO's, police officers, teachers, and nurses, some of whom faced losing their livelihood, their children, or assets. His trial record in the courtroom is exemplary. His previous experience as a prosecutor for the Nassau County District Attorney's Office allows him to bring a unique perspective to civil litigation matters. His practical approach to resolution or when in Court his penetrating cross-examination of witnesses produces results. Michael has litigated high conflict custody cases as well as equitable distribution cases involving millions of dollars in assets. He has represented clients who many thought had no hope and prevailed against all odds.

In the area of criminal law, Mr. Alber continues to take cases that seem unwinnable and get acquittals. His thoroughness and attention to detail has been praised in open court from members of the bench. From complicated DWI cases with scientific evidence to penal law crimes with forensics and eyewitness testimony, Mr. Alber has displayed an ability to breakdown cases and highlight procedural errors and expose what might appear at first glance to be a strong government case, when in reality the cases are rifled with doubt. Mr. Alber has successfully made motions to preclude DNA evidence in cases involving life imprisonment, has achieved suppression of physical evidence after litigating procedural issues involving a violation of constitutional rights, has won numerous preclusion motions, and has had criminal cases outright dismissed. He is devoted to attacking procedural issues in cases, analyzing and exposing gaps in investigations, and making factual and legal arguments, which spin on the most detailed view of the law. Mr. Alber has been retained to represent clients in federal court and out of the state of New York.

In the area of matrimonial and family law, Michael brings a practical sense toward what often times can be stressful situations involving many complex family dynamics. Because of his background and most specifically his range of experience, Michael is uniquely equipped in assessing the merits of claims in various aspects of matrimonial and family law, from child custody issues to equitable distribution and support issues including post-judgment matrimonial matters. By taking a practical approach, with an eye toward reducing costs of matrimonial and family court litigation, Michael moves to resolve cases swiftly without compromising results. While taking a practical approach, he nonetheless recognizes some cases just have to go to trial. He has tried cases with little to no notice, and has stepped into trials when there was little to no hope achieving unprecedented results. Some of his family law cases have been published in the New York Law Journal, and he has argued before the Appellate Courts in the State of New York.

In civil litigation cases, he has been retained as trial counsel in both state and federal courts. When confronted with the prospect of a trial he is diligent, fearless, and relentless in the pursuit of justice. Michael invites all of his prospective clients to watch him at an upcoming hearing or trial. At the start of a hearing or a trial or during the cross-examination of a crucial witness it soon becomes apparent what makes him special.

2019 Beneficiary - Blessings From Bella Fund

Our sweet, 3 year old, Isabella, went into the ER with complications from what we then thought was a sinus infection and dehydration.

In less than 24 hours, Bella was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma and had undergone a life changing brain surgery to remove a brain tumor.

With a long road ahead filled with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Isabella's parents, Justin and Michelle, were blessed with a new baby boy - Joseph John. 

Now, with a newborn and treatment for Bella, their life has been turned upside down.  There are a lot of unanswered questions, but what we do know is, they will need a lot of help. 

With the intensive care for Bella, and just the regular care of a newborn, there will be lost wages, expensive trips, and incidentals that we probably can't even imagine at this point. 

Michelle and Justin have a history of putting others before themselves as Justin served in the Marine Corps with two overseas tours and Michelle has been working as a teacher in Farmingdale. 

This will be an ongoing campaign because at this point, we don't know the duration or Bella's response to treatment.  Michelle and Justin need strength, support and guidance and will be humbled greatly by all of your love.  Thank you for your generosity. 

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