Howard Beach turned out in full force to support 19-year-old Loren Licausi, who is suffering from two forms of leukemia. The evening's dance party event raised nearly $25,000 to help with expenses.
Crowds of supporters came together in Howard Beach on Thursday night to pitch in and lend a hand and a heart to 19-year-old Howard Beach teen Loren Licausi, diagnosed with a life threatening combination of AML and ALL leukemia.
More than twenty volunteers got down to business encouraging raffle sales at the door and on the floor while others manned the food tables.
Organizers held a Dance Party in her honor and at last count had raised nearly $25,000 to help offset the expenses associated with her condition.
“It’s just unbelievable,” said James Sanphillipo, whose wife Angela was the event’s primary organizer. What Sanphillipo was referring to when he made that statement were just early money totals for raffles sold at the event. “The fact that people have come out to do this, especially after the hardships they’ve been through themselves recently,” he said is just terrific,” And then with a broad smile, Sanphillipo was off to check on ticket sales again. “Hey,” he called over, “it’s just unbelievable.”
Orange and white balloons filled Father Dooley Hall at St. Helen’s, tables of raffle prizes lined the room along one side of the wall, across the floor from tables filled with heroes, pizza, pasta , salads cookies, candy, cupcakes, all donated and then sold to help in the fundraising efforts.
“I am so proud to be a part of this community right now,” Angela Sanphillipo said looking out onto a floor of brisk ticket sales, people eating, talking and just being there. Sanphillipo has shared a close relationship with the Licausi family for 20 years.
“You know it’s great to see everyone here and obviously it’s so hard to face why we’re here,’ said Sanphillipo, “there’s a lot to be learned in this room.”
Special guest DJ Skribble rocked the floor with his music and also rocked the house with a personal $1,000 cash donation.
Loren’s dad Tommy and brother TJ circulated through the crowd exchanging lots of hugs, prayers and well wishes. “It’s very overwhelming,” said Tommy Licausi. “People are just wonderful,'” he said losing the fight with his tears. We are so thankful for what everyone has done. It’s unbelievable.”
Loren Licausi has ben diagnosed with ALL and AML leukemia.
If you would like to learn more about it go to
www.leukemia-research.org/
www.bestcancersites.com/leukemia/
By Patricia Adams
