Bowlers hope to land cancer in the ‘gutter’

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer accounts for nearly one-quarter of deaths in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. In 2006, there were 559,888 cancer deaths in the U.S.
But Sharon DeVito of Howard Beach is fighting back against the statistics.
DeVito has lost several relatives to the disease, so she organized a fundraiser – “Strike Out Cancer” – at Cozy Bowl Lanes on Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park, on Wednesday night, May 27.
Nearly 60 friends, family and community members gathered to do their part in the fight against the disease, not including others that were there to show support and donate to the cause.
John Link of the American Cancer Society and host of the upcoming Relay for Life of Howard Beach, attended the event to support DeVito. He was impressed, he said.
“This is bigger than the ones that we’ve had,” he noted.
Mary Tisi, also of Howard Beach, doesn’t know DeVito personally, but she’s an avid supporter in the fight against cancer. Tisi lost a nephew to brain cancer 14 years ago. He was nine when he passed. “When the events come up, I go,” she said.
The alley was lined with players bowling strikes, spares and even gutter balls, all in good fun.
“You don’t have to worry about winning or losing,” said DeVito. “It’s all for a cause.”
Frankie, DeVito’s eight-year-old son, later bowled a strike.
Raffles – including some for gift baskets containing items donated by local businesses – were a big hit. Mike Isopo, owner of Mike’s Deli in South Ozone Park, donated almost $300 in food to the event. He lost his father to the disease and believes it’s important to do anything he can to help find a cure for cancer.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the “Strike Out Cancer” fundraiser will be donated to the American Cancer Society, said DeVito, who was very pleased with the turnout.
She said that she is hopeful that the fundraiser will become an annual event.
“I don’t see why not,” she said.