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Written by Patty Servidio, RN and Freelance Writer SOAR demystifies cancer for everyone, which is why the project is so vital to the success of pediatric patients with cancer and blood diseases. It is important to allow these children, who are already at a disadvantage because of their illness, to be able to feel as normal as possible. A parent is required to sign a HIPAA form before SOAR contacts the school, and federal guidelines are followed rigorously. Read the full story We in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at The Cancer Center at Stony Brook Long Island Children’s are delighted and honored to have the support of the Michael Magro Foundation. They have truly fulfilled their mission and generously eased the burden of the patients in our care. As a team, we strive to give our patients and their families the most comfortable and enjoyable experience possible when they come in for treatment. The Michael Magro Foundation has helped us to make this possible, in more ways than one… In the last few months, they have donated many boxes of neutropenic friendly snacks so that our patients are able to enjoy a safe and delicious treat during long days of chemotherapy infusions. We often have patients that come in for (what they think is) a quick blood draw, that end up needing fluids or blood products. It is so nice to be able to have these things available to families who do not come prepared. These snacks not only satiate the child’s appetite, but empower them to make a choice. It’s a wonderful sight to watch the children look through the cabinets with huge smiles on their faces, and be able to choose from a variety of different snacks, in an environment where their choices are often limited. The Michael Magro Foundation has generously contributed to many of our pediatric oncology families faced with the financial hardships of treatment, by donating gift cards. The supermarket and restaurant gift cards help our families to ensure that our patients are getting enough nutrition and hydration. The Target and Walmart gift cards have helped families prepare for a transfer to another hospital, the birth of a new baby, assist with the cost of household necessities, etc. The gas gift cards have helped families who cannot afford to bring their children to their scheduled appointments. To the family, this assistance alleviates the financial stress of commuting expenses. To the team here at Stony Brook, this means that this wonderful foundation is indirectly facilitating the utmost of care in our facility, by making sure the child is able to get to their scheduled appointments and receive their therapy on a consistent basis without the obstacles that the family would face without this aid. The Michael Magro Foundation has played a huge role in allowing us to celebrate milestones with our patients. They have provided us with what we call “celebration in a bag”. Each bag has a theme and is filled with all the essentials to celebrate a birthday, end of treatment party or milestone. Our patients look forward to choosing what type of party they want to have and coming in to the clinic for a personalized celebration just for them! It means so much to the families to see that we take such pride in making these occasions so special for their child. Unfortunately, for some families, this can be the last milestone they will celebrate with their child. The Michael Magro Foundation’s support helps us give these patients and their families a celebration that they will never forget. Weather reports were not promising on August 3rd; forecasters were calling for rain and storms for August 4th, the date of Mastermind Unit’s Soccer for a Cause Event, which was the fourth year that it benefited the Michael Magro Foundation. Terrie Magro was undeterred. Ever cheerful, she was at the Corporal Kevin T. Kolm Memorial Park, bright and early on Saturday, August 4th, with a word of encouragement to everyone who showed up to help or practice before the event. This year’s event, which raised $14,000 for the Michael Magro Foundation, was a banner year for the soccer tournament. According to Brian Horvath and Dave Musinski of Mastermind Unit, there were only slots for 20 teams. Two days before the event, there were 22 teams registered and committed to play. By the night of August 3rd, there were 24 teams registered and committed. All 24 teams showed up before 9 am, with some team members coming from New Paltz and further in order to take part in an event that would benefit children with cancer and their families. The Mastermind Unit, a group of local Hicksville boys, is comprised of the following members: Michael Stamatinos, Brian Horvath (also a board member), Brian Alcantara, and Dave Musinski. Dave is a member of Bartland, the winning team. This year, the event had donors from local businesses, who gave items to be raffled off during the event. Habby’s Transmission, Starbucks of Hicksville and Trader Joe’s of Plainview were just a few of the generous members of the community who offered donations, which Terrie transformed into beautiful gift baskets. Of special note was the addition of DJ Andrew Schild of proaudiolientertainment.com, who volunteered his services for the entire day, spinning jams while the teams played in the hot sun. According to one of the patrons who attends the event yearly, “this year’s music was GREAT!” Chef Paul Magro was Grill Master for the day, along with Brian Horvath’s father, Bob. Burgers, hot dogs and fixings were set up on a separate table, and Mario’s Pizza was on hand with several boxes of pizza pies. The snack booth was hopping all day. In food sales alone, the Foundation raised close to $900. Peak Performance Physical Therapy had an informational booth set up; the physical therapist’s group sponsored one of the soccer teams, and has four offices island wide. Extra tee shirts from the event were for sale for $5. Terrie graciously allowed a new local business to set up a table near the DJ; the business is called, “Bree’s Tees and More and is run by Hicksville High School senior Brianna Servidio. Displaying her wares on her table as well as on the DJ tent, Brianna made several sales for the day and did a bit of networking. Brianna is incredibly grateful to Terrie for giving her the opportunity to network and get her business off the ground. After all of the baskets were raffled off, Terrie called out the winner of the 50/50, which was worth $120. Winner was Tanner Longo of Hicksville, who generously donated his 50% back to the Michael Magro Foundation. When I say that the generosity in the air was palpable that day, I am not kidding. To be a part of such an event is a feeling that goes beyond words. The teams began to face off at around 9 am, and several team members were up at the tee shirt booth, purchasing more tees as the meets went on, due to all of the heat and humidity of the day. All of the water and Gatorade that had been donated was gone by 3 as well. Pepsi corporation donated for the third year in a row all of the soda, water and Gatorade! By 3:30 pm, the finals were underway, and what a fight to the finish it was! The winning team was Barland; second place went to the Mineola Portuguese team. Celebrating with a refreshing spray of champagne, the tournament ended on a high note; there were more people in attendance this year than in previous years, and a great time was had by all. By 3 pm, the clean up crew, volunteers from the Foundation, were ready to clean the park when the tournament drew to a close. Battling the heat was worth it this year for all 24 teams. Nobody went home a loser, because when one gives of themselves, it is a win-win situation for everybody. Hats off to Terrie and Paul Magro and Mastermind Unit, for their hard work and generous efforts. Funds raised will benefit so many pediatric patients with cancer. Many thanks to Ashley Stamatinos, for the beautiful photographs that were taken during the event; and to every person who was there, whether they were on the field or cheering on a team, thank you for being a part of this wonderful event! Modern science continues to work for a cure for cancer. Humanity continues to dream and hope for a cure for this disease. But there is hope. As Elvis Presley sang it so soulfully, “Deep in my heart, there's a trembling question… Still I am sure that the answer’s gonna come somehow~ Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle, And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, ohhhhh, right now Let it come true right now.” ~~~~~~~~ For further information about Mastermind Unit, please visit their website at ww.mastermindunit.com. And follow them on facebook. For more information about the Michael Magro Foundation and upcoming events, please visit their website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.comand visit their facebook page! For more information about DJ Andrew Schild, please visit his website at www.proaudiolientertainment.com. Hicksville, New York On Saturday, August 6th, Mastermind Unit (MMU) partnered with the Michael Magro Foundation, an organization dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families, to translate a 16-team soccer tournament into a mega-charity event that raised close to $9,000 to benefit the Foundation and its mission on behalf of children with cancer. A non-profit group empowering individuals to take a leadership role in their community, MMU members are challenged to leverage their skills by creating new ideas, helping others, and serving as catalysts for change. MMU co founder Brian Horvath is a member of the Michael Magro Advisory Board. MMU provided the framework and funding for the Fifth Annual Tournament while the Hicksville Soccer Club members played like pros, and coordinated event details like signage, refreshments, and tent-raising. Semi finalist teams Hicksville Hawks and the Plomo’s played a terrific final game. Kudos went to the day’s winning team, the Hicksville Hawks !! Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker was cheering on all the teams and proud to have been part of the event. Many thanks to the Town of Oyster Bay and their staff for all the help they provide during the tournament at Kevin Kolm Memorial Park. Thank you Pepsi for donating cases of soda and energy drinks for our players and spectators. The Hicksville Soccer Club volunteers help to make this day fun filled!! Many volunteers man the concession stand and barbeque for everyone’s enjoyment. All proceeds from the food and beverages sold were also donated to the Foundation. Terrie Magro, Vice President of the Michael Magro Foundation praised MMU founders, Brian Horvath, Michael Stamatinos, Dave, Brian Alcantara and Michael Longo for creating such a successful event. “They truly represent the very best American youth has to offer,” she said. If you would like more information about the Michael Magro Foundation, you can access its website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com. MMU at www.mastermindunit.com Please consider forming a team to play in the 2012 tournament. As the event grows, next year we are looking for women’s teams to join us. Contact MMU and secure your team’s spot for 2012. The Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital received a $25,000 renewal grant from The Michael Magro Foundation to support its SOAR (School Re-entry and Ongoing Academic Resources) Program. Foundation President Terrie Magro generously collaborated with the CCFK to establish and fund this unique program, now in its fourth successful year to address the compelling needs of pediatric cancer patients and their parents. The Cancer Center for Kids is the largest facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders in Nassau County; its membership in the National Cancer Institute’s Children’s Oncology Group (COG) enables the Center to participate in national protocols and offer its patients the most advanced cancer care. SOAR provides individualized pre-and-post school re-entry support essential for young students with cancer and blood disorders. It is designed to increase each patient's chances for a successful academic experience during and after treatment. For children to thrive in the classroom, they not only need a smooth transition or "re-entry" once they are ready to return to school, but they often require ongoing assistance, sometimes through their college years. The SOAR team – comprised of skilled Center physicians, nurses, child life specialist, social worker, and psychologist – works with and nurtures the patient, the family and the academic community, empowering the success of their collaborative efforts. The Michael Magro Foundation honors the life of Michael Magro, and perpetuates his spirit by helping children and their families face the challenges of pediatric cancer. Creating innovative programs and expanding its outreach have put the Foundation at the forefront of Long Island philanthropy. For more about the Foundation’s mission and programs, consult its website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com. Information about the CCFK is available at www.winthrop.org/cck. Michael Magro Foundation held its 6th. Annual Car Wash and Classic Car Show on Saturday June 4th. at Barry Tech Career and Technical Education Center on Prospect Avenue in Westbury. Mr. James Clark, the building principal and the staff graciously host this community service event each year to help the foundation raise money to support their mission. The efforts of the foundation are directed to families of children diagnosed with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Michael Magro Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, pledging 100% of the monies raised back into the foundation. Each year Barry Tech students help organize, advertise, set up, wash the cars and cook the food for this event. All of their hard work paid off, the foundation raised $1300.00 this year. The money will be used to make parent referral binders for the newly diagnosed children with cancer being treated at The Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital. Each family is given a binder which contain volumes of information to help them navigate their days, weeks, months and sometimes years ahead as their child is undergoing treatment. The binder contains some gift cards to help with the cost of gas, supermarket cards and much more. In addition the binder provides log sheets for procedures, tests, medications, pharmacy and checkups. The handbook walks through diagnosis definitions, course of treatment, what to expect if admitted to the hospital, caring for your child at home and caring for the whole family. Before Terrie Magro got married in 1983, her last name was Combatti, which seems almost too perfect. Combatti means "fight" in Italian -- as in "Fight for your children" or "Fight to make life easier for families who are going through what you went through." Those are two things Terrie Combatti Magro has done in spades. Not that Terrie is a combatant in the intimidating sense of the word. Twenty years ago, she changed careers from clinical nursing to medical sales. When Terrie says it was an easy transition because "I discovered sales was something I was good at," the reasons why seem obvious. She is friendly and engaging, disarmingly open and honest. Read more Mineola, New York The Michael Magro Foundation honors the life of Michael Magro, and perpetuates his spirit by helping children and their families face the challenges of pediatric cancer. Creating innovative programs and expanding its outreach have put the Foundation at the forefront of Long Island philanthropy. Sharing the mission of the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop-University Hospital, and partnering with the Hospital’s pediatric specialty areas, the Michael Magro Foundation has awarded the Hospital a $25,000 grant to fund a software package for a state of the art portable echocardiogram machine. This cutting-edge equipment, manufactured by GE, helps assess cardiac anatomy with advanced technology and exceptional clarity. In addition, utilizing Automated Function Imaging , it can monitor the heart before, during and after chemotherapy, enabling physicians to establish a baseline for pediatric cancer patients, determine the effects of treatment both long and short-term, and evaluate potential cardiac damage. Dr. Mark E. Weinblatt, Director of the CCFK, the largest facility for treating children with cancer in blood disorders in Nassau County, expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for this generous gift and described its effect on his patients. “This highly developed technology enables us to detect cardiac issues sooner than later, and impacts dramatically on our children with cancer who may or may not experience latent effects from chemotherapy treatment.” Combining superior detail and quality of information with sophisticated echocardiography will benefit all of Winthrop’s pediatric patients as well, according to Dr. Carlos Montoya, Director of Pediatric Cardiology at Winthrop Hospital Children’s Medical Center. “The echo machine will open a new window to the heart for all our pediatric patients, from newborns to young adults.” The Pediatric Echocardiography Lab currently performs over 2500 echocardiograms per year in patients from the unborn fetal patient to young adults with congenital or acquired cardiac disease. According to Dr Donna Better, Director of Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory and Perinatal Cardiology, “this improved technology will be valuable to all patients but will benefit most those with subtle abnormalities of the cardiac function, such as that which can be seen in patients following chemotherapy.” For more about the Foundation’s mission and programs, consult its website at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com. Information about the CCFK and Winthrop-University Hospital’s pediatric specialty practices is available at www.winthrop.org/cck or www.winthrop.org Hicksville, New York On Saturday, August 7th, Mastermind Unit (MMU) partnered with the Michael Magro Foundation, an organization dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families, to translate an 18-team soccer tournament into a mega-charity event that raised close to $10,000 to benefit the Foundation and its mission on behalf of children with cancer. The sudden spike in soccer interest generated by the World Cup games made the Mastermind Unit’s Third Annual Soccer for A Cause Tournament an obvious crowd-pleaser. A non-profit group empowering individuals to take a leadership role in their community, MMU members are challenged to leverage their skills by creating new ideas, helping others, and serving as catalysts for change. MMU provided the framework and funding for the tournament while Hicksville Soccer Club members not only played like pros, but also coordinated event details like signage, refreshments, and tent-raising. Kudos went to the winning team, Schaefer Allemania; Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker and Chief Deputy County Executive Robert Walker for their enthusiastic support; and the Town of Oyster Bay for contributing the use of Triangle park, tables, parking and other amenities. “What made this day special,” said Terrie Magro, President of the Michael Magro Foundation, was that each team played from the heart. And I can’t say enough about Brian Horvath, Michael Stamatinos, and MMU. Truly an association that is paying it forward.” If you would like more information about the Michael Magro Foundation, you can access its website at michaelmagrofoundation.com; the MMU is online at mastermindunit.com. |   The Mission of the Michael Magro Foundation as ArchivesApril 2013 Categories |
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