HB Relay most successful in Queens

Mario Faulisi is a fighter.
A routine check-up a few years ago revealed that he had a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma.
With no family history of the disease – but the strength and support of his loved ones – Faulisi fought back.
He underwent six months of chemotherapy, spine chemo and radiation at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, and considers himself very lucky.
“Ten years ago there was no treatment,” said Faulisi, President of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation.
Now, at age 47, he has been a cancer survivor for one year.
“I want my children to know that my love for them keeps me alive,” said an emotional Faulisi, who also thanked his wife Grace for her role in his recovery. “I am living proof of how valuable your contribution is.”
And on Saturday, June 13, he – and about 100 other survivors – proudly wore purple at the First Annual Howard Beach Relay for Life at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) confirmed that the Howard Beach Relay was, in fact, the most successful first-year relay in Queens – ever – with 500 participants raising more than $150,000.
“Throughout the planning of the event, I was blown away by the outpouring of support from the community and the efforts and creativity brought forth by co-chairs Melissa Fochetta and Phyllis Inserillo,” said John Link, ACS staff and manager of the Relay.
Prior to the event, Link told The Courier, “We were hoping the event would raise $45,000. They’ve already raised close to $75,000 – and their goal is to break $100,000.”
He called Fochetta and Inserillo “the force behind making this huge.”
In fact, Fochetta raised about $6,500 herself, while Inserillo raised $10,000.
Other “Howard Beach All Stars” included 11 people who raised more than $2,500 each and Paul Schemitz, who collected over $20,000.
“I was very sick growing up, so when I heard about this, I wanted to help out,” he told The Courier.
The overnight celebration of hope, designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research, began with opening ceremonies attended by City Councilmember Eric Ulrich, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer and District Leaders Frank Gulluscio and Lew Simon.
“It is a great tribute to our belief that, working together, we can conquer anything – even cancer,” said Monsignor Al LoPinto of St. Helen Church.
Atiana Maisonet and Victoria Murgigi, both 13 and both of P.S. 207, said that they were there because their grandmothers are cancer survivors – and because they wanted to support their friend, Charles “CJ” Pullara, whose mother, Theresa, succumbed to lung cancer in November.
“It’s great because everyone is getting together to fight the disease,” said Pullara, who, working with the Lung Cancer Foundation, Joan’s Legacy, presented a $1,000 check.
His team, “In the Arms of an Angel,” raised $5,383 at last count.
Ann Marie Gurino, secretary of the Columbus Day Foundation, said she lost her mother three years ago and 45-year-old brother nine months ago, both to cancer.
“I have people I’m honoring,” she said, recounting how her husband lost an aunt to cancer that very day.
Joann Papa was among the 100 to walk the initial “Survivor’s Lap” after white doves were released.
A year-long breast cancer survivor, the 50-year-old from Old Howard Beach said, “I’m hoping for a cure so people won’t have to go through what I went through.”
Her team, Queens County Savings Bank, included her sister Donna, father, niece, friends and co-workers.
Now, said Papa, she encourages people to get routine screenings, including mammograms and sonograms.
Faulisi also encourages people to support research so that one day there may be a cure.
“Please keep giving, you’re saving lives minute by minute.”