Today was the first Walk to the Bridge with Frankie’s Kids. We walked over four miles for the Loccisano foundation supporting pediatric cancer. We met at the 69th Street Pier in Brooklyn, NY at 8:30am. But for those of you who know me, I got there a few minutes late toting my venti Starbucks.
I met Camille Loccisano just over two years ago when I started a private cancer fundraiser on Staten Island with a team of fabulous women. Camille is a woman of great love and incredible strength as many of you know. It has been a privilege to know her and her beautiful family these two years. Their organization has been one of the most important foundations for my family!
The morning started off with a few touching dedications and awards for generous people who helped make today an enormous success. With every step we walked together, we helped a child who is battling cancer. The foundation helps families in financial crisis due to the overwhelming nature of their child’s illness and medical care. I raised $250 so far, and donations are still being accepted here: http://www.crowdrise.com/TheWalkwithNatalie.
I walked to the Verrazano Bridge and back with a lovely family including three generations of powerful women (who happened to look like super models mind you). The youngest at nine months old is such a force, but a gentile soul. Having family surround you and support you is so important especially during these early years raising your children. I really enjoyed the time we spent sharing stories about our families and childbirth. When they say it takes an entire village to raise a child, it sure is true. It looks easy, but I sure wish children came with a manual.
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September 14, 2012 marked five years that Frankie Loccisano lost his life to cancer. Now, in his name and memory, they continue to raise funds and awareness to help families and children who are fighting the same illness. Here’s some information about the Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation listed on their website: http://www.frankiesmission.org/
Our Story
The seeds in creating “Frankie’s Mission” were planted by a boy named Francesco Loccisano, aka Frankie, who was diagnosed with cancer when he was only 14 years old. Frankie had lived a happy, full and active life until he was found sick. As he fought cancer, he realized there were people in this world, especially his young fellow cancer warriors, who were facing very difficult journeys through no fault of their own. He was very motivated to launch his own foundation when he reached a cure. However, he did not just tell his family and friends of his intentions. He INSPIRED them with his vision for the future, and he filled them with an energetic passion toward helping others.
Frankie never reached that cure. He passed two weeks after his 17th birthday, and all those who loved him knew they must continue his legacy and carry out his wishes. One month later, Frankie’s family, friends, neighbors, coaches and teachers crowded around a long kitchen table. On that evening, a team of dedicated people of all ages, and with high hopes, big dreams, and a strong work ethic, launched a grass-roots effort. “Frankie’s Mission” was born.
Frankie’s Mission has grown into an active, effective and fiscally responsible organization that spans its assistance to families of children with cancer nationwide. Demonstrating integrity and dedication, Frankie’s Mission has identified the dire need to help families when they reach an out of control financial crisis due to the overwhelming nature of their child’s illness and medical care. Funds raised to support Frankie’s Mission come from individuals, families, businesses, corporations and full communities. The end result is assistance that is channeled directly to children with cancer in the most humane, compassionate and dignified manner possible.
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If you or your family would like to learn more about the Loccisano Foundation http://www.frankiesmission.org/ or to donate to this important cause please click here: http://www.frankiesmission.org/donate.php
Wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend!
Natalie
