One fateful morning in December of 2010, Darcy Novick’s life changed forever.
Like thousands of women before her, Novick was diagnosed with breast cancer, shattering her reality and leaving her unsure of the future.
“It’s like your world is coming to an end,” said Novick, a 46-year-old Bayside resident. “You think the worst. You think that you are going to die. The days after I found out were the worst days of my life.”
Novick is organizing “Laugh for the Cure Comedy Night,” a fundraiser on October 14 at the Bay Club, located at 1 Bay Club Drive in Bayside.
Comedians Richie Minervini and Mitchell Walters, as well as musical performers Peter Mazzeo and the Hit Squad are all volunteering their time for the event. A “Comedy Night” raffle will also be held, during which guests will have the opportunity to win donated prizes, such as gift certificates to restaurants and two round-trip tickets on JetBlue.
Two days later, on October 16, Novick will be participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Walking with her will be the “Bosom Buddies,” a group of 50 people, including her parents and sister, who she assembled for the fundraiser.
Every dollar collected from both the comedy night and walk will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
“We’ve been completely amazed with the things Darcy has done,” said John Link, director of special events for the Queens office of the American Cancer Society. “She’s doing it for all the right reasons – because she wants to be a part of something great and find a cure for breast cancer. She’s really been a big part of the success we’ve had in Queens.”
According to Link, Novick is not only the top fundraiser in Queens, but she is currently top five in the entire country. She has already raised $18,101, and the Bosom Buddies are the top group, with a total of $23,940. If the team reaches $25,000, they will become the first Queens group ever to do so.
Along with raising money, Novick emphasizes the importance of raising awareness.
“I caught the cancer early, because I go every year for a mammogram,” she said. “I think people procrastinate in making an appointment for a mammogram, but it is really important to go every year. I wanted to organize the ‘Laugh for the Cure Comedy Night’ in order to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, but also to raise awareness for all women.”
