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winter2015–Vol.29,No.1
The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation
F o u n d e d J u n e 2 1 , 1 9 7 2
Tita and Joseph MontiFounders
Dear friends,I am writing this letter to you in December 2014, immediately after attending the patient Christmas Party that our Foundation hosts every year at North Shore University Hospital. My heart is filled with so much happiness and fulfillment, because at times like this I can see first-hand all that the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation does for those individuals forced on this journey of living with cancer.
Yes, we work for a cure; this goal is most important. But along the way our patients are coping with all of the physical issues associated with becoming healthy again. It is a long and challenging road, and they travel it with dignity and grace.
I saw today, as I do every day, the difference we make; the difference you make. Without your support none of this would be possible. When you support the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, you can see the results of your generosity on a daily basis. You effect positive change with every donation you make.
And so, as you read this in the new year, I would like to thank you all for your incredible support of our Faith, Hope & Love Giving Campaign. It is obvious that we have achieved our goal and beyond. Our commitments to our patients and our research will be honored and hopefully we will soon see a world without cancer.
May God bless you and your loved ones with health and happiness in the new year. I am forever grateful; because of you, the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation is alive and well.
With Faith, Hope & Love,
Caroline Monti Saladino, PresidentThe Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation
Richard Monti, Chairman; Caroline Monti Saladino, President; Arthur Saladino, Chairman
Caroline Monti Saladino and Bro. Joshua DiMauro, OSF with St. Anthony’s High School Gregorian Schola
St. Anthony’s High School Gregorian Schola, led by Bro. Joshua DiMauro, OSF, performs for the patients and staff of 7 Monti
PLATINUM ($10,000+)
Banfi Vintners
Judi & Richard Bua in loving memory of Scott Bua
Lauren Cona & Family in loving memory of Scott Bua
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Danielle & Joe Faria & Family
Michele & Robert Fitzsimmons & Family
Anna & Steve Gevinski & Family
The Goodrich Family
Niki & Joe Gregory & Family
Terry & Stuart Hayim
The Kitt Family
Jackie & Paul Lomtevas & Family in honor of the Monti & Saladino Families
Richard & Erin Monti & Family
Jane & Michael Norman
Geanine & Malcolm Palmer & Family in loving memory of Scott Bua
Kathy Rayfield in loving memory of Scott Bua
Ronald Rose
Arthur & Caroline Monti Saladino
Don & Melissa Saladino & Family
Joe & Sarah Saladino & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Travaglianti & Family
Friends and Family of Tory Zabatino
BENEFACTOR ($5,000+)
The Aiello Family
David & Bernadette Strianese Borg in loving memory of Bobby Strianese & Carol Wenk
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cassandro, Jabb & Co.
The Croation American Charitable Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Wally Szczerbiak & Family
The Damaghi Family in honor of Stuart Hayim
Estee Lauder Co.
Carmela & Jack Kelly & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Lombardi
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mazzei
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Mitchell
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Murray in loving memory of William John Murray
Joel Simon & Family in loving memory of Ellen Simon, the Mayor of 7 Monti
The Soviero Family
Ella & Bernard Strianese
Top Banana
Dr. & Mrs. James Watson
GOLD ($3,500+)
Air Stream Foods
Mr. & Mrs. Carmine Fiore
Dr. & Mrs. William Healy
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Plancher in honor of Robert & Sylvia Aiello
Two Cousins Fish Market
SILVER ($1,500+)
Calavo Growers
Cassmon Realty
Edward Chernoff
The Employees of Crest Hollow Country Club
DeMatteis Organizations
Dortoni Bakery
F & F Roofing
Mr. & Mrs. Dominick Foresto in loving memory of Joseph & Tita Monti
Friends of TJ Foundation
Ally Gottesman, Candy Cures Cancer
Amy & John Hughes & Family in honor of the Monti & Saladino Families
Jack & Rose Floral Design, Jack Rutigliano
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Kugelmass in honor of Ari Kugelmass and Shana & Scott Stevens
Dr. & Mrs. Leon Lachman in loving memory of Louis Lachman
Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Chantal Weinhold
Howard & Margaret Cuomo Maier
Gary Melius, The Elena Melius Foundation
Pet Peeves, Janine Dion
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schumm
Simon Paston & Sons
Southern Wine & Spirits
SYSCO Long Island
Chuck Weinstein, Design Audio Visual
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Weinstein in honor of the Saladino Family
BRONZE ($500+)
Above All Storefronts
Mr. & Mrs, Anthony Alizio in loving memory of Josephine Marie Alizio
Nino Antuzzi
Arrow Concrete Corp.
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Balducci
Susan Baran
Bazzini Co.
Mike & Elyse Besso
Drs. David Bernstein & Helen Kim
Bisset Nursery
Blue Bell Beer Distributors, Mike Severino
Mr. & Mrs. John Bolz
Gary Bronz
Candor Janitorial Supply, Salvatore Giglio
Cardinali Bakery
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Carlson
Celebi Produce
Mr. Frank & Dr. Elizabeth Chau
Checkmate Security Systems
Classic Galleries, the Fromkin Family
Coast Tropical Texas
Thomas Colace
County Line Hardware
Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas D’Arienzo in loving memory of Tita & Joe Monti
Del Rey Avocado
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Demar
DePinto Electric in loving memory of Tita Monti
Lorinda DeRoulet
Mr. & Mrs. Matt Dolinger
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Drakos in loving memory of Constance Denslow and Nicholas Koumas
Empire Merchants
Eventful Productions
Fade to Black in honor of all those who have suffered
Mr. & Mrs. David Feinblatt
Feriani Floral
Fierman Produce Exchange
Fine Art Photography
Finishing Touch
Fire Command Company
Flowers by Brian, Brian Cohen
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Fox
Freedom Freight
Glenmar Photographer
Vincent & Ally Gottesman in loving memory of Helaine Gottesman
Edward Hand, Eco-Lab
Harvest Sensations
Joan Heaney in loving memory of Peter Heaney
JET Sanitation Service
John C. Schmitt & Associates
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Karin
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Keenan
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kleinknecht
Ari Kugelmass in honor of Sandra Kugelmass
Landscapes by Bob Dohne
Ken Latham
Lieber Bros.
Lloyd Staffing, Merrill Banks
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mattone in loving memory of Irene Mattone & Jessie Pessolano
Mr. & Mrs. Mario Mavricos
Mr. & Mrs. Michael McDevitt
Mid-Atlantic Electrical
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Morris
Natalie’s Orchid Island
Nathel & Nathel
Nicolock Paving
Steve & Connie Olish in honor of Connie Olish
Patken Photographer, Inc.
Marlene Patrella in honor of Vincent Vinciguerra, MD
Mr. & Mrs. John Pufahl
R & J Graphics
Richards Security, Bill Richards
Rigo Produce
Jack Rubenstein, Esq., Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein
Sam Tell Companies
Peggy Scherr in loving memory of Dr. Lawrence Scherr
Schuckman Realty
Jerry Segura
Signature Bank
S. Katzman Produce
St. Mary’s High School
Dr. & Mrs. David Steinberg
Nadya Swedan, MD, and Robert McIntyre in loving memory of Tita & Joe Monti
Stylish Events
Sterling Foundation
TAD Exterminating
Dr. & Mrs. Frank Tomao
TPP
Triple T Transport
Tuxedo Park
John Vassilaros, Vassilaros & Son
Victor Joseph & Son
Mr. & Mrs. Barry Weisfeld in honor of Stuart Hayim
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wood
Xtreme Sounds DJ
FRIENDS
740 Franklin Avenue Holdings
AC Video & Photography, Adam Cooper
A Ruggiero Consulting
Fabiola Abarca
Joseph Abruzzo
Accolade Building Maintenance
Mr. & Mrs. Murray Ackerman
Advantage Rental Center in loving memory of Matthew Enste
ADG Designs
AE Technology in loving memory of Michele Roberts
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Aidala
AK Food Brokers
Sima Ali, Esq., Ali Law Group
American Classics Ice Cream
Rob Appel
Atlantic Beverage
Theresa Attard
Edna Auerbach in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Balco Industries
Martin Bass
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Barber
Hannah Bayarin in loving memory of Allan Bayarin
David Beebe
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Bell
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Bellock in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Lester Bellows, Jr. in loving memory of Marion Bellows
Patricia Berger in loving memory of Thomas Berger
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bermudez
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Bianchi
Bissett Nursery
Blue Moon Carpet Care
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Boistis in loving memory of Hugh Kenary
Bora Bora Fresh Squeezed Juices & Smoothies
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Boulukos
Bright Star Foods
Calixtro
Felicia Callan, MD in honor of Carmela Rasmussen and Vito Tirico
Camelot Specialty Limos
Louise Campbell
Maureen Cannon, RN
Honorable Rose Caputo
Gina Carella
GIVING CAMPAIGN 2014
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TEthel Caruso
Elizabeth Caserta
Vivian Casil in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Craig Cassano
Bernadette Castro
Chasan Food Distributors
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Cherry in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Christina Renna Foundation
Murray Cohen
Ann Coleman
Maria Conti in honor of Patricia Bonadonna
Dolores Costello
Costello’s Ace Hardware
County Line Hardware
Coutros Bros. Produce
James Cozza
Pierre Crosby
Crystal Valley Foods
Gene & Kelly Culbreath
Mr. & Mrs. Claude Cuvier
Rose Czerniawski
D’Arrigo Bros.
Drs. Carol & Michael Dannenberg
Jerome Dano in loving memory of Janet McHale
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Darby
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Delahanty
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Dell Aquilla
Patricia Devlin 14-year AML survivor
Judy Diana in loving memory of William Diana
D. Klaus Dittmar
Mr. & Mrs. Vincenzo Domingo in loving memory of Soccorsa Saracino
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Dowling
Earthbound Farms
Ed Miniat, Inc.
Elegancia Entertainment
Empire Reporting
Rosemarie Ennis
Rabbi Michael Erlich
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Ermann in loving memory of Annette Iaquinta
Essential Nail Spa
Joseph Failla in loving memory of Karl Hofmeister
Louis Failla
Dennis Fassman
Mr. & Mrs. Burt Faustman
Sarah Fisher
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Fishman in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Cynthia Flaim in loving memory of Sara Flaim
Jill & Lloyd Flaxman
Dominck Florio
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Frank
Freeman Engineering
Fresh Pick Produce
Fresh Start Produce
Anne Gaipa in loving memory of Ellen Simon
The Stanley & Eve Geller Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. David Givner in honor of Sarah Givner’s graduation from Medical School
Mr. & Mrs. Frederic Gold
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Graham
Kathleen Grant
Greenvale Chemist
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Grosso in loving memory of Evelyn Citrin
Grumman Retiree Club
H2M Architects & Engineers
Janet Hagerman
Eleanor Halpern in honor of Arleen Uroff
Hanan Products Co. Inc.
Linda Harney in loving memory of Vivian Harney
Bess Hatsis
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Haug
Lenore Hayde
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hennessey
Hicksville Window Cleaning
Dolores Hoffman
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Homer
Mr. & Mrs. Francesco Ierardo in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Jack Berlith & Sons Plumbing
Jeffrey Studio
Diana Jindra
J. Margiotta Bakery
Gloria Jones in loving memory of Albert Brunnhoelzl
Karen Jordan in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kalb
Mr. & Mrs. Nat Kantor
Susan & Jay Kaplan
Mr. & Mrs. William Kelleher
Kettle Cuisine
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Klein
Joan Komorowski
Joseph Koneski in loving memory of Valerie Koneski
Mr. & Mrs. Marvyn Kornberg in loving memory of Stuart Dix
Carol Krohn
Ari Kugelmass
Lakota Construction
Landmark Foods
Lapinskas & Associates
Irene & Gene Leff
Elizabeth Leonard
Mr. & Mrs. J. J. Lesko
Let’s Trick Cancer Michael, Catherine & Mario Fuentes, and Caroline McGrath
Margot Ligh in loving memory of Alfred M. H. Tsai
Lighter Than Air
Mr. & Mrs. Jacques Linden in honor of Dr. Lovecchio
Marie Lobosco in loving memory of Charles and Joseph Lobosco
Lochness
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Lohan
Mr. & Mrs. James Longworth
Kathleen Lopez in loving memory of Jim DiCicco
Mr. & Mrs. Terry Lynam
Marie Mack in loving memory of Lawrence Mack
Main Street Nursey
Mammoth Painting
Margolin & Margolin
Mark of Elegance Limousine Service
Martin Delgado, Inc.
Clayton Martorello
Mr. & Mrs. John Martuge
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Mauri
MaxTex
Mr. & Mrs. Kieran McGowan
Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Menkin
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Merzbacher
Charles Migliore in loving memory of Vincent Migliore, Sr.
Fay Milea
Theresa Milo
Janice & Bruce Minerley in loving memory of Scott Bua
Mr. & Mrs. John Mitchell
Jon Monge
Rev. Nick Montanino
Mr. & Mrs. John Morhardt in loving memory of Raymond and Margaret Croak
Josef Mortak
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Moy
Mark Mulvey
Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Muto
National Waste Services
NS Electrical Supply
NYU Entertainment
Oceanside Christopher Federal Credit Union
Kristin & Peter Ognibene in loving memory of John & Lois Saladino
Y. D. Oleksiw
Bernice Orol
Karen Orzel
Rita Palmieri in loving memory of Anthony Palmieri
Patchogue Plate Glass
Pat Pruzan Design
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Pepe in honor of Drs. Bradley and Vinciguerra
Kathy & Phil Peranzo in loving memory of Kaleigh Fallon
Phillips Mushroom Farms
Mr. & Mrs. John Piazza
Piccola Bussola in loving memory of Pasquale Lubrano
Mr. & Mrs. Carmine Pisano
Planet Party Planners
Plant Doctor
Linda Platzer
Edward Polk
Frank Pomponio
Produce Alliance
The Projekt
Paula Ptaschnik in loving memory of Gene Taubel
Mr. & Mrs. Vincenzo Pugliese
Mr. & Mrs. Roland Puton
Pyramid Air Conditioning
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Quatela in loving memory of Pasqua DeCarlo
Scott Raffa, Encore Events
Lawrence Restieri
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Rispoli
Lisa Roberts
Ronald Rose
Carol Roseberry in loving memory of John Roseberry
Rubin Bros. Produce
Ryder in honor of Bob Fitzsimmons
Sam Tell Company
Satur Farms
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Savetsky
John Saxe
Mr. & Mrs. Erik Schaeffer
Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Schindler
Elaine Schmelkin in loving memory of Alvin Glasser
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Schneider in loving memory of Anna Cosimano
Arlene Scholer in loving memory of Margaret Scholer, who received home visits from the Don Monti Mobile Van
Pamela Schrank in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Schulman in honor of Fran & Steve Friedman
Serruto Builders in honor of Matt DeGiaimo
Rev. Vincent Sica
Sheila Silver in loving memory of Mrs. Renee Ginsberg
Sherry Silverman in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Dr. Steven Silverman
Carol Silverstein in loving memory of Edith Greenberg
Sir Oliver Limousine
Sister Mary Eileen in loving memory of Sister Florence Marie
Smith Electrical Services
Smith & Sons
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Snailer
Gloria Sombrotto
Phyllis Somma in honor of Phyllis Antonucci
Mr. & Mrs. George Sorensen
Angela Sottovia in loving memory of Julian Sottovia
Michael Spinelli in loving memory of Scotty Bua
St. Patrick’s Church, Rev. Monsignor John Bennett, Pastor
Stein, Devisser & Mintz
Rise & Alan Stern in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Stevens in loving memory of Arnold Hertz
Shana Stevens
Strauss Bakery
Linda Stuhl in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Summit Harvest
Edith Sussman
Pauline Szturma
Mr. & Mrs. Ignacio Tamburello in loving memory of Karl Hofmeister
The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation would like to extend its deepest gratitude to our many supporters for their ongoing dedication to our mission. Because of you, we are able to meet and even surpass, our commitments to the patients being treated in the four Don Monti Cancer Centers; the scientists working diligently in the Joseph & Tita Monti Research Center at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; and the students in the Masters Program in the Joseph, Tita and Don Monti Genetics and Human Development Lab at LIU Post. Please note that it is possible that some donations arrived just after this publication went to print; we apologize for any inadvertent omissions, and are truly grateful for every contribution.
www.donmontifoundation.org 3
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
4
TAnnual Christmas Party
The annual Christmas party on the 7th floor of the Monti Pavilion at North Shore University Hospital has become a truly heartwarming tradition over the years, and this past year, was made even more so by a special performance from St. Anthony’s High School Gregorian Schola. The Schola, under the direction of Brother Joshua DiMauro, OSF, is a select ensemble of Juniors and Seniors from St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington. The group performs more advanced pieces of Gregorian Chant and Liturgical music required for Masses and special events throughout the school year. The Schola travels across Long Island each season, to local churches, hospitals and nursing homes providing concert repertoire and seasonal songs to entertain and inspire their audiences.
The patients, staff and volunteers of 7 Monti were all deeply moved by the recital. “The performance by St. Anthony’s was inspirational,” said Caroline Monti Saladino. “Both my parents were opera singers and life-long patrons of the arts. They had a profound
understanding of how music and song can touch people’s lives in such a positive way, and I could feel them smiling down on this beautiful gathering today. It was wonderful to see the patients enjoying the music so fully, and solidifies our feelings about our Complementary Therapies program.”
The students were also moved by the experience. “We were very happy to sing for the patients to raise their spirits during this Christmas season,” said one student. “Their appreciation for our music made this event stand out as one of the most significant presentations of our season.”
The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation is grateful to Brother Joshua and the Gregorian Schola for sharing their talent with us in this very meaningful way. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Bunny Burns and her daughters Collen DeGaetano, RN, and Kelly Lewis and their families for their tremendous efforts in making the Christmas party the joyful event that it always is.
Audrey Weissman, NP; Bunny Burns; Francine Rella; Qi Lin, RN; Kelly & Robert Lewis, Pasquale & Louisa Barba; Louise Weck
Caroline Monti Saladino, Melissa Saladino and Eileen Fitzgerald-McGrath, RN, deliver presents to patients
Bunny Burns and Craig Devoe, MD
Cathy, Maria Sotir, Beatriz Guzman, Vanessa Ortiz, Dayana Hurtado, Santa, Louise Weck, Maria Tekie, Primrose Lee, Manuel Cunha, Qi Lin
Qi Lin, Nurse Manager, RN, holds up the telephone so that patients in isolation who were unable to attend the party could hear the performance
Bunny Burns with her granddaughter, Shannon Lewis, who is a member of the Schola
Dr. & Mrs. Salvatore Tangredi in loving memory of Elena Ciriello
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Telep
Thomas Martin Plumbing
Florence Todisco
Tony Lante Photography
Total Quality Logistics
Twin County Pool
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tyrie
US Foods
V & J Auto Body in loving memory of Giuseppe Cacciatore
Via Trento
Vincent DeRosa Provisions
Louis Vinciguerra in loving memory of Valerie Vinciguerra & in honor Vincent Vinciguerra, MD
Mr. & Mrs. John Vlismas
Rocelle Wasserman in loving memory of Ellen Simon
Mr. & Mrs. George Watson
We Like 2 Party
West Side Foods
White Coffee Corp.
White Toque
Williams Candy Shoppe
Marsha Winkler in loving memory of Harold Plutes
Ya-Whooo Organic Garden
Linda Zamojcin in loving memory of Thomas Zamojcin
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Patient Allison Main celebrates the season with her mom, Dale Main.
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www.donmontifoundation.org 5
CSHL: 125 Years Fighting Cancer on Long IslandFounded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has been at the forefront of cancer biology and genetics for most of its 125-year history. From the beginning, the financial support and friendship of local partners has enabled CSHL to perform innovative cancer research. Today, with friends like the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, CSHL is one of the nation’s top National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers, developing new ways to diagnose and treat even the most intractable cancers. All here in your backyard on Long Island!
FROM THE VERY BEGINNINGIn the earliest days of CSHL, scientists developed the first strains of mice with increased susceptibility or resistance to cancer. This technology became the basis of the mouse models on which modern cancer research depends.
From the 1930s to 1950s, cancer research at CSHL could be found in an unexpected place: the plant biology labs. Dr. Barbara McClintock’s Nobel-Prize winning discovery of “jumping genes” later helped explain the genetic changes in diseases like leukemia.
After winning the Nobel Prize in 1963, Dr. Watson became Director of CSHL, where he initiated research that brought CSHL to the front lines of contemporary cancer research. In 1972, the Laboratory received its first cancer grant from the National Institutes of Health. CSHL was designated a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center in 1987.
THE NEXT CENTURYThe 21st century heralded the genomics era, bringing new understanding of the genetic changes that cause cancer. CSHL scientists are now developing a technique called single-cell sequencing that will produce inexpensive, noninvasive cancer diagnostics to detect cancerous cells in ordinary blood samples. Other technologies from CSHL can shut off any gene in the genome – a boon in developing new cancer drugs.
Seizing on these revolutionary developments, CSHL President and Cancer Center Director Dr. Bruce Stillman charted a new course called the Cancer Therapeutics Initiative (CTI). The goal: informing the development of improved cancer diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Funded primarily through philanthropy from foundations and private individuals, including the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, the initiative integrates the genetics of cancer with cutting-edge tools to bring the best drugs to the clinic faster.
CLINICAL TRIALS TODAYThe CTI has several clinical trials underway, with more to come. CSHL is already producing promising results for the next generation of cancer therapies – ones that will work against even the most intractable forms of the disease. These therapies are not only more effective, but are also highly targeted, with fewer unwanted side effects.
“There’s no longer a need for drug development to be a shot in the dark. We are drawing bull’s-eyes for drug discovery,” says Dr. Chris Vakoc.
Dr. Vakoc’s work has identified several promising leukemia targets – one of which brought a drug inhibitor to clinical trials. He has teamed up with Dr. Stillman to study another strong leukemia drug target. This effort builds on previous work from Dr. Stillman’s lab, which uncovered a gene that is required for colon and breast cancer progression. Together, Drs. Vakoc and Stillman have demonstrated in pre-clinical studies that inhibition of this gene is also very effective in treating a lethal form of leukemia.
The CTI’s success is grounded in basic molecular biology and genetics –
the core of CSHL’s history of scientific advancement. Dr. Nicholas Tonks discovered an entirely new class of enzymes that work to regulate how cells respond to their external environment. One particular member of this new class is involved in insulin response, but Dr. Tonks found that it also plays a role in breast cancer, particularly a subset of breast cancers that express the cancer-causing gene HER-2. Following up on this basic research, Dr. Tonks has identified a drug that inhibits the enzyme and has shown in pre-clinical studies that it blocks breast cancer metastasis. CSHL is now partnered with North Shore-LIJ Cancer Center to test this new HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer treatment.
“The ability of CSHL researchers to develop novel technologies that drive bold programs like the CTI demonstrates the power of private philanthropy,” says Dr. Stillman. “Thanks to continued support from The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, CSHL’s basic research programs are yielding advances that impact patients in the clinic.”
CSHL Professor Nick Tonks is working on a breast cancer drug with North Shore-LIJ.
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TLet’s Trick Cancer
Ten-year-old Michael Fuentes has always been interested in magic, and as luck would have it, he happened to receive a magic kit for his birthday on July 30, 2014. After mastering several of the more difficult tricks, Michael took to the local beach to perform. As his skills grew, he found that his audience was so appreciative that they started tipping him for his performances. Having accumulated a fair amount of money, Michael wondered how he could use it to help people.
Michael was inspired to help find a cure for cancer in two significant ways: the Fuentes family has, in recent years, lost two close friends to cancer; and Michael’s aunt, Eileen Fitzgerald-McGrath, RN, has been an Oncology Nurse in the Don Monti Division of Oncology Bone Marrow Transplant Unit for many years. Eileen’s dedication to her patients is very much a part of who she is, so it is only natural that her family is well acquainted with her work. Michael decided that he would donate all of the proceeds from his magic tricks to the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, so that he could directly help fund patient care, research and education – all of which will help to find a cure one day.
Not to be outdone by their older brother, 8-year-old Catherine and 6-year-old Mario, Jr. decided to join the fundraising effort by selling their handcrafted bracelets on the beach as well.
On the morning of November 21, 2014, Michael, Catherine and Mario came to visit the Don Monti Foundation office before school with their parents, Tara and Mario Fuentes Sr., as well as their aunt Eileen and cousin, Caroline McGrath. Thirteen-year-old Caroline has also joined the family’s fight against cancer by donating her beautiful hair to make wigs for children who have lost their own hair during chemotherapy.
After formally presenting their donation to foundation president Caroline Monti Saladino and chairman Arthur Saladino, the family had the opportunity to tour the Joseph and Tita Monti Research Center at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Watson School of Biological Science graduate student, Anja Hohmann, was happy to explain her leukemia research to the group. Anja showed the children some of the equipment she uses and demonstrated how cells can change in different environments.
It was a truly heartwarming visit for all present, as the children had the opportunity to see how their hard-earned dollars will be utilized, and the adults were able to witness the spark of enthusiasm come alive in young hearts and minds. We are most grateful to the Fitzgerald-McGrath and Fuentes families for their dedication to our mission.
Anja Hohmann describes her
research to the group.
Eileen Fitzgerald McGrath, RN; Arthur Saladino; Caroline McGrath; Caroline Monti Saladino; Tara Fuentes; Mario Fuentes Sr.; Michael Fuentes; Catherine Fuentes; Mario Fuentes Jr.
Cousins Caroline McGrath and Michael, Catherine and Mario Fuentes with Caroline Monti Saladino.
Caroline McGrath shows Caroline Monti Saladino her before and after likenesses.
Don Monti Cancer Survivors DayWe are thrilled to share the wonderful news of the naming of Don Monti Cancer Survivors Day, to be held
Saturday June 6, 2015 at the North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute at the Center for Advanced Medicine. The event is an uplifting celebration of life, with cancer survivors coming together to share their experiences and their strength
with one another. Dancing, lunch and a special guest speaker will round out the festivities.
www.donmontifoundation.org 7
HScotty’s WalkHeritage Park in Mount Sinai was once again the beautiful setting for Scotty’s Walk, held on September 13, 2014. The annual walk honors the life of Scott Bua, who lost his battle with leukemia on August 17, 2011, at age 37. The walk was organized by Scott’s parents, Judi and Rich Bua, and their dear friends, Kathy Rayfield, Lauren Cona and Geanine Palmer.
The day was a beautiful tribute to Scott, with so many of his friends and family coming together in his memory. Scotty’s family wanted all of the money raised from the event to go directly toward patient care, research and education through the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation’s many programs on Long Island. We are grateful for their continued support for our mission.
EVENT SPONSOR - $20,000• Two foursomes, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner• One tee sign and one flag pin flag• Recognition on the website• Recognition in event program
DINNER SPONSOR - $10,000• One foursome, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner• Four additional dinner reservations• One tee sign• Recognition on the website• Signage at dinner• Recognition in event program
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR - $7,500• One foursome, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner
• Four additional dinner reservations• One tee sign• Recognition on the website• Signage at cocktail hour• Recognition in event program
BRUNCH SPONSOR - $7,500• One foursome, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner• One tee sign• Recognition on the website• Signage at brunch• Recognition in event program
EAGLE - $5,000• One foursome, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner• One tee sign• Recognition on the website• Recognition in event program
INDIVIDUAL FOURSOME - $3,000• One foursome, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner
PATIO BARBECUE SPONSOR - $2,500
GOLF CART SPONSOR - $2,000
DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR - $2,000
PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR - $2,000
INDIVIDUAL - $750• One golf entry, including golf, brunch,
barbecue and cocktail hour/dinner
TEE SIGN - $1,000
COCKTAIL HOUR/DINNER ONLY - $250
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation Inaugural Golf EventMonday, May 11, 2015 • Old Westbury Golf & Country Club
Volunteers manning the registration booth.
The 4th Annual Scotty’s Walk kicks off at Heritage Park.Kathy Rayfield, Caroline Monti Saladino, Richard & Judi Bua, Lauren Cona, Geanine Palmer.
Please call (516)367-5036 for more information
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Don Monti October 11, 1955 – June 21, 1972
FOUNDER & FORMER PRESIDENTTita Scandalis Monti, FFSC
FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDJoseph R. Monti, BFSC, KM
PRESIDENTCaroline Monti Saladino
CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARDRichard D. Monti Arthur J. Saladino
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENTJackie Lomtevas
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTSMatt DeGiaimoDanielle & Joseph Faria, Esq.Michele & Robert Fitzsimmons Anna & Stephen Gevinski Pat & Edward Travaglianti
ADVISORY BOARDLori Attivissimo, MDRuthee-Lu Bayer, MD Alessandro Bellucci, MDDavid Bernstein, MDHoward & Margaret Cuomo Maier, MDJane & Michael G. Norman, CPAGeorge Raptis, MDJoan & David J. Steinberg, PhDBruce Stillman, PhDNadya Swedan, MDVincent Vinciguerra, MDGary Wadler, MDJames D. Watson, PhD
BOARD OF DIRECTORSSylvia & Robert Aiello Donna & Frank AndreaChristine & David Boccia Judi & Richard BuaBunny Burns
Melanie & Robert Cassandro Gwen & John CooleenJanine DionCaroline B. FariaDebora & David Feinblatt Christina & Carmine A. Fiore Katy & Marc Goodrich Fran & Alan Gorman, DDSNiki & Joe GregoryJoann & Alex Hatsis, MD Stuart HayimSusan & Robert JohnsonCarmela & Jack KellyMadelyn & Carl Lombardi Terry LynamValerie & Dan MartinMary-Lynn & Timothy McDevitt Victoria & Edward Meagher Donald MontiErin Monti Karen Orzel Bro. Edmond Precourt, FSC Randi Monti PuccioKathy Rayfield Sarah & Joseph Saladino Melissa & Don SaladinoAnthony ScottoChristine & Denis Sheahan Lori & Robert Soviero Shannon & Wally SzczerbiakDonna Monti TrinkoGeorge Tsunis Kenneth Villani, R.Ph.
HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORSHon. Mario M. & Matilda R. CuomoThomas J. Degnan, MDDennis DowlingJohn S. T. GallagherMsgr. Thomas HartmanJoan Klocke, RN, MSN, OCNElla & Bernard V. Strianese
The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation
For more information, visitwww.donmontifoundation.org3
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Who's Who
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory One Bungtown Rd. Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Donate online at www.donmontifoundation.org
Howard Maier
Howard Maier is President of Maier Ventures, a Long Island based marketing company, and creator of the Yoga Zone television series and videos. Prior to establishing Maier Ventures, Howard was President of The Maier Group, which he sold to Time-Warner. The Maier Group was the leading marketer of exercise videos in the United States, and was widely known for its “Buns of Steel” exercise video series.
Prior to his entrepreneurial years, Howard was in senior marketing positions at Clairol, Inc. and Alberto-Culver.
Howard devotes significant time and effort to charitable organizations. In 1994, he established the Maier Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants to charities including cancer care, special education and Holocaust education. Howard was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County from 2004-2012 and currently serves on its Executive Committee. He transformed the Center to fight discrimination and intolerance today. Under his leadership, the Center provides tolerance and anti-bullying workshops to students throughout Long Island and added a program for police officers, “Law Enforcement and Society.”
Howard has been a Trustee of North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Vice Chairman of Gilda’s Club Worldwide Cancer Organization, and is a member of the Advisory Board of The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation. As a dedicated member of our Board, he has taken on the leadership role as Chairman of the Inaugural Golf Outing. Howard’s dedication to our common mission helps to ease the burden of Long Islanders living with cancer. We are most grateful for his commitment to our cause.
Howard and his wife, Dr. Margaret Cuomo Maier, reside on Long Island and have five children and two grandchildren.
Save the Dates
Inaugural Golf EventMonday, May 11, 2015Old Westbury Golf & Country ClubHoward Maier, Chairman
44th Anniversary Ball of the YearNovember 14, 2015Crest Hollow Country ClubWoodbury, NY