Pediatric Cancer Fundraiser: Hopefest 2011

Camille Loccisano, a dear friend lost her son Frankie at the young age of 17. Camille’s foundation in memory of Frankie helps families whose children are suffering from pediatric cancer. Pediatric cancer is something that is near and dear to my heart and I wanted to share Frankie’s story with you in hope that you support their foundation and the upcoming fundraiser Hopefest 2011.

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(The information was taken from their website: http://francesco-loccisano.memory-of.com/About.aspx)

This memorial web site was created in loving memory of Francesco Anthony Loccisano aka “Frankie” and at times also called “Frisco”. Frankie was a charming and vibrant 17 year old boy who was dearly loved and adored by his large family and many friends. He was filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. Brought up with his 2 younger brothers, Nicholas and Christopher, his loving family watched as he grew into an opinionated and intelligent teenager. He brought nothing but joy and happiness into the lives of all those around him.

Frankie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in July of 2005 at the age of 14. He fought a long and hard battle against this illness for twenty seven months. Along this journey Frankie learned many life lessons, most especially about the hardships of humanity. This caused him to grow a tremendous compassion for those who were less fortunate, ill or in pain. He prayed for anyone he was told about, young or old, no matter what their misfortune. Through his own difficult time, he remained hopeful as well as prayerful. He kept Jesus as the center of his life and prayed to his special saints, Padre Pio and St. Joseph.

Frankie was dependable, responsible, a bright student and a great friend. His favorite subject was history and he loved politics and economics. He also enjoyed a good and fair debate and he always presented facts to support his views. His dream was to one day study law and practice as a criminal prosecutor. He even had thoughts of becoming a member of Congress. He was an advocate for civil rights and human dignity. His political views were moderate and he always said “depends on the issue !”

He enjoyed football, was a Yankee fan, loved Robert Deniro movies, The Sopranos, video games, online role play and neighborhood stoopball. He appreciated simple pleasures but he also enjoyed the finer things in life, such as handsome neck ties and fine restaurants. He was a talented creative writer and also an avid novel reader.

When Frankie passed on to eternal life, he took a great deal with him. Life will never be the same for those he left behind. God truly took a loved, needed and remarkable young gentleman to heaven. There is no doubt that he is in a place of incredible and unimaginable beauty where the very atmosphere is filled with God’s love and presence. How happy he must be.

Rest in Peace, our Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Until we meet again ……..

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Last year, my friends and family all held a fundraiser at the Excelsior Grand to support her amazing foundation. Having the fundraiser at the Excelsior was truly amazing. Not only did the Excelsior host an incredible event, but their support and their staff’s generous donations to our raffles brought us to tears. We helped build awareness about pediatric cancer, her incredible foundation and raised money to help families in need. I hope you will consider supporting Hopefest 2011 on Friday Evening, September 23, 2011 at Gargiulo’s in Brooklyn, I’ll be there. Tickets and donations can be made here: http://www.frankiesmission.org/upcoming_events.php

Family and community are very important. We really need to stick together. Here are some pictures taken last year at our Chaata event supporting Camille’s foundation. As you can see, there was so much love in the room!