Bayside businesses raise bone marrow test funds

Jenifer Burawa-Borromeo has always been a fighter.
Diagnosed with cancer at only 18 months old, the now 34-year-old is once again in the fight of her life - and you can help.
A few months ago, the Long Island resident had been feeling tired and went for a routine check up.
When her blood work came back, her doctors told her she had leukemia. Now, they said, she will need a bone marrow transplant.
The problem is, according to family, that the search for a match is time consuming - it may take up to 15 attempts - and expensive - $1,200 - and not covered by health insurance.
A benefactor paid for the first $1,200 attempt, according to her mother, and half of the second try was covered by the Leukemia Society.
In order to offset the mounting costs, an evening of dinner and dancing will be held to raise funds for Burawa-Borromeo on Friday, September 26 at the Knights of Columbus in Mineola.
Organizers of the fundraiser have been working hard to get sponsors, and Bayside businesses have opened their wallets - and their hearts.
Among those along Bell Boulevard that have contributed gift certificates are Donovan’s, Monahan & Fitzgerald, Bourbon Street, Supercuts and Maggie May’s. Kissena Golf Course has donated golf for four, with a cart.
“Bourbon Street helps a lot of Bayside families going through tough times,” said Ellen LaPerna, manager. “As a family-oriented restaurant, we’re always giving back, whether they live locally or not. We’re like a family and it’s important to treat everyone as such.”
Those who know Burawa-Borromeo know that she is “an amazing person.”
“I know she touches so many people,” said her mother, Debbie Burawa, a nurse with New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ).
“I was beside myself,” she told The Courier, when she first learned of her daughter’s diagnosis. She also admitted that this is a whole new learning process for her, despite her knowledge of the medical field.
Debbie’s other daughter, Lauren, 29, was tested, but was not a match for her sister.
“She was devastated,” said Debbie.
In a show of sisterly love and solidarity, Lauren then donated her hair to Locks of Love.
“She said if Jen had to be bald she would be too,” said Debbie.
The American Cancer Society came to the rescue, donating two wigs and a number of scarves to Jenifer, who despite having just finished her second round of chemotherapy - which means “she’s pretty wiped out,” according to her mother - is “still upbeat.”
Now her doctors at North Shore Hospital are preparing her to harvest her own bone marrow.
“She’s meant to be here for a reason,” said Debbie. “We haven’t fought for all these years to lose her to this.”
If you would like to help Jenifer and her family keep fighting, contact Terrie Barrett at 516-244-2668 or Eileen Eich at 516-742-7756.