Sharon DeVito is no stranger to cancer. She has lost three relatives to the disease.
When her grandmother, Madeline Maher, visited the doctor after a fall that had broken her hip, doctors found bone cancer. She passed away just two months later.
In December of 2002, DeVito’s aunt, Madeline Maher-DeMarco, was misdiagnosed with a sinus infection. In February of the following year she was told she had a brain tumor. She died in March.
DeVito’s mother-in-law, MaryAnn DeVito is a uterine cancer survivor of seven years.
In order to raise cancer awareness – and funds for research — DeVito will be hosting “Strike Out Cancer,” a bowling fundraiser, on May 27.
“I want to make people more aware that if we do a little more we can fight this ugly disease,” she said.
DeVito is very health conscious. “I’m always getting screened,” she said.
Just two years ago, she quit smoking when her eight-year-old son Frankie became uneasy about her health. He had seen the commercials on television urging smokers to quit.
“Grandma, is my mom going to look like that,” he asked.
It was then that Sharon knew she had to quit.
The “Strike Out Cancer” fundraiser may be an annual event if all goes well, DeVito noted.
It will be held at Cozy Bowl Lanes, at 98-18 Rockaway Boulevard, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Local businesses, including restaurants and bars, have donated items to be raffled off at the event, thanks to efforts by DeVito’s husband, Frank. Gift certificates to restaurants and baskets are just a couple of the items being raffled.
DeVito, who also plans on taking part in the June 13 Relay for Life in Howard Beach, says that the fundraiser was not difficult to plan.
Her family frequents the bowling alley, and they were more than happy to be a part of the cause.
If you would like to donate, get involved, or bowl to “strike out cancer,” email sedevito@nshs.edu.
