- The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation

Transcription

The Don Monti
Memorial Research Foundation

Founded June 21, 1972
My dear friends,
I
I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer and are ready to
leap into the hectic fall schedule that we all seem to have.
As I reflect on all the years since my dear brother Don’s passing,
I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude –
gratitude for his life and extraordinary legacy, as well as for my
parents’ guidance and vision. That gratitude extends to you, our
dear friends and supporters, who through your generosity have
enabled us to accomplish so much.
We are actively involved in many new projects in order to
support our important mission of providing patient care, research
and education in the fields of oncology and hematology. This
year, in lieu of the Ball, we are pleased to initiate our “Faith,
Hope & Love Giving Campaign.” More details about this
endeavor will soon be forthcoming, and we do hope to count on
your continued support.
We are also pleased to announce that on May 11, 2015, the Don
Monti Memorial Research Foundation will host its first annual
Golf Outing at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club. This
event will be chaired by Howard Maier, who together with his
wife, Margaret Cuomo Maier, have been staunch Foundation
supporters for many years. We thank Howard for his leadership
in undertaking this inaugural event.
Looking ahead, on November 14, 2015, we will once again
host the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation Ball of the
Tita and Joseph Monti
Founders
Richard Monti, Chairman; Caroline
Monti Saladino, President; Arthur
Saladino, Chairman
Year at Crest Hollow Country Club. We hope you will join us in
celebrating our 44th anniversary.
In the following pages, I trust that you will enjoy reading about
the steadfast progress we continue to make in the fight against
cancer, and all of the wonderful people who help us to do so.
Because of you the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation is
alive and well. Thank you, and may God bless you all. 
With Faith, Hope & Love,
Caroline Monti Saladino, President
The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation
Players in the 2014 Monti-Mac Cup Classic at Nassau Coliseum. (See story on page 5)
fall 2014 – Vol. 28, No. 2
New Nurse Practitioner to Further
Enhance Transplant Services
T
The North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute’s Don Monti
Adult Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program
has been providing quality care to New Yorkers for more
than 30 years.
Part of the Don Monti Division of Oncology and
Hematology at North Shore University Hospital in
Manhasset, the Adult Bone Marrow and Stem Cell
Transplant Program is the largest on Long Island
and in Queens, conducting 87 bone marrow transplants
in 2013 alone.
The unit is also the only program accredited by the
Foundation for Accreditation in Cellular Therapy (FACT)
in Long Island, Queens or Brooklyn, and is one of only
166 FACT-accredited programs in the world.
To further enhance the program, Caroline Monti
Saladino, President of the Don Monti Memorial Research
Foundation, recently committed funding to hire a nurse
practitioner to assist oncologist Ruthee-Lu Bayer, MD,
the program’s medical director, with transplants.
The unit is currently working to get all of its nurses
certified by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS),
Dr. Ruthee-Lu Bayer reviews patient charts with staff
Stem cells are retrieved from cold storage
2
enabling them to better educate and prepare patients
and their families for the journey they are facing. The
program offers patients private rooms, including four in
the transplant unit and six on the seventh floor of the
hospital’s Monti Pavilion.
“Here at the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, we are
committed to constantly improving the high-quality care we
offer to all of our patients,” said Dr. Bayer. “We are lucky
to have a very high nurse-to-patient ratio, which allows for
observation on a continual basis. While the abundance of
nurses is crucial in allowing for a closer management of a
patient’s symptoms, most importantly it enables us to provide
for stronger support of our patients and their families.”
The transplant program has been at the forefront of
numerous treatment innovations, including the first adult
transplant to combat sickle cell disease. Also, while patients
suffering from bone marrow cancer previously needed a
perfectly matched donor for a transplant to succeed, research
funded by the Don Monti Foundation now enables doctors
to use partial matches for transplants. 
Patient Linda Santisteban gets a visit from
Ruthee-Lu Bayer, MD, and Marissa Galler, NP
Patient Richard Detomaso gets a visit from his wife
and Cathey Ruddy, RN, and Sandy Martine, RN
It’s always busy in the Don Monti BMTU
“HERE AT THE BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT UNIT, WE
ARE COMMITTED TO CONSTANTLY IMPROVING THE
HIGH-QUALITY CARE WE OFFER TO ALL OF OUR PATIENTS.”
– Ruthee-Lu Bayer, MD
www.donmontifoundation.org
3
Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation
Gives $500,000 for Cancer Research at CSHL
C
Caroline Monti Saladino, President of the Don
Monti Memorial Research Foundation, presented
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) President
and CEO Dr. Bruce Stillman with a donation of
$500,000 on March 25. The funds will be used to
further the groundbreaking research taking place in the
Joseph & Tita Monti Research Center at CSHL.
“Our commitment to the Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory continues after seven years with more
dedication and effort than ever,” said Caroline Monti
Saladino. “We are thrilled to be a part of this worldrenowned institution and work with scientists who
bring us the positive hope of success.”
“The partnership we have with the Don Monti
Memorial Research Foundation supports CSHL
scientists who in recent years have made several
discoveries that will lead to less toxic and more effective
cancer treatment,” said President Stillman. 
Danielle Faria, Caroline Monti Saladino and Jackie Lomtevas from the
Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation join CSHL President and
CEO Dr. Bruce Stillman
Monti Foundation
Supports Renovation of
2014
North Shore University
Hospital Family Lounge
T
The Don Monti Cancer Center at North Shore University
Hospital recently unveiled its newly renovated Family Lounge,
located on the seventh floor of the hospital’s Monti Pavilion.
The renovations were made possible by a $65,000 donation
from the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, headed
by Caroline Monti Saladino. The new family lounge provides
a quiet, welcoming space for cancer patients and their
families. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 5. 
2007
The grand opening 2014
Caroline Monti Saladino looks on as her father, Joseph
Monti, officially opens the Patient & Family Lounge in 2007
Qi Lin, RN; Ruthee-Lu Bayer, MD; Caroline Monti Saladino and Arthur Saladino
4
L
Hockey Classic Fundraiser
Long-time Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation supporters
Sean & Sue McAuley have turned their love of hockey into a wonderful
fundraising opportunity. Once again Sean gathered together many of his
hockey-playing friends and colleagues in the spirit of giving. More than
40 men took the ice at the Nassau Coliseum on April 5 as their friends
and family cheered them on in a 3-game tournament. The games were
followed by an outdoor tailgate, and then later on the Islanders game.
The event raised nearly $20,000 for the foundation; many thanks to
Sean & Sue for their dedication to our mission! 
Joe Saladino makes a save
Tournament winners : Paul Possilico, Don Saladino, Joe
Saladino, Joe Faria, Sean McAuley, Pat Haskell, Scott
VanSon, Brian Callery, Jim McCormack, Jason Fogelson,
Doug Partrick, Craig Cassano, Bill Reiger
Score by Don Saladino
Sean McAuley Jr., Caroline Monti Saladino,
Sean McAuley Sr., Jack Kelly, Ryan Moriarty
Sophia Travaglia, Caroline Monti Saladino,
Richard Monti, Arthur Saladino, Caroline Faria
Caroline Monti Saladino, Joe Faria, Douglas Partrick
5
Arthur Saladino, Robert Maorino, Peter Flynn
The cheering section
And the band played on
Andrew, Alex and Penny Armonas, Robert Berbenich,
Robert VanSon, Jim McCormack, Peter VanSon, Jeff Colon
Erin Monti and Melissa Saladino
6
Bone Marrow Donor and Recipient
Meet for the First Time
I
May 21, 2014
In a heartwarming meeting, William Carter, 69, of
Wading River, New York, finally had the chance to
personally thank Frank Matthes, 47, of Bretten, Germany,
for the bone marrow that helped Mr. Carter survive his
ongoing battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The two have been communicating via email since
the successful bone marrow transplant at North Shore
University Hospital (NSUH) in the winter of 2009, but
had never set eyes on each other.
FROM A FRIGHTENING DIAGNOSIS …
Mr. Carter, a retired insurance salesman, says he was
frightened when he learned he had AML, characterized
by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that
accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the
production of normal blood cells.
”I felt very tired, and I knew that something was wrong.
I have so much to live for … my wife, Dot, who is my rock,
wonderful children and grandchildren … I have so many
reasons to live,” he said.
“Bill is such a kind man with a wonderful family,” said
Ruthee-Lu Bayer, MD, his physician. “It’s always such a
thrill for us to see how a bone marrow transplant can give
a person a second chance at life.”
… TO A HEARTWARMING REUNION
Mr. Matthes said that he was thrilled to make the journey
to the United States to finally meet the man whose life
he saved.
“It is so wonderful for me to finally meet Bill and his
family,” he said. “It was such an easy process – just a cheek
swab – and now we finally get to meet. We are connected
for life now.”
“We have the same bone marrow now, which means we
are connected in a very special way,” is how Mr. Carter
summed up the importance of the event. “I hope everyone
hears this story and understands what it means to be able
to save a life.”
The reunion took place at the 13th annual Celebration
of Life Dinner of NSUH’s Don Monti Bone Marrow
and Stem Cell Transplantation Program, held at the
Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The annual
event, sponsored by the Don Monti Memorial Research
Foundation, is a highlight for bone marrow donors and
recipients, family members, healthcare professionals and
supporters.
“When my brother passed away in 1972, there was no
such thing as a bone marrow transplant,” said Don Monti
Foundation President Caroline Monti Saladino. “And
now there is, and these two beautiful people are meeting
here for the first time. I can sense my parents’ presence
with us here, and I’m sure they are gratified to see the
fruits of their labor coming to fruition in so many positive
ways. It is my great pleasure to carry on this tradition
that my dear mother began 13 years ago; it was always her
favorite event of the year, and now it is mine.” 
Bone marrow
recipient Bill
Carter (left) meets
his donor, Frank
Matthes.
2014 Bone Marrow Transplant Celebration of Life Dinner
7
Rosemarie Murray, Caroline Faria, Bunny Burns,
Danielle Faria, Sharon Topper, Kelly Lewis,
Audrey Weisman, Sharon Daneshgar
Dr. Ruthee-Lu Bayer and her Bone Marrow Transplant Unit staff
Bone marrow transplant survivor
Terry Kornbluth shares his story
Bone marrow
transplant survivor
Angela Cardenas gets
a hug from Ruthee-Lu
Bayer, MD, as she
shares her story
Dr. Vincent Vinciguerra &
Mrs. Nina Vinciguerra
Caroline Faria, Danielle Faria, Caroline Monti
Saladino, Joe Saladino, Arthur Saladino
Nicole Rossol,
Caroline Faria,
Nicole Benincasa
Daniel Budman, MD; Meredith
Feinberg; George Raptis, MD
The Governing Board of
the Sisterhood of Stem Cell
Transplantation: Ruthee-Lu
Bayer, MD; Diane Gissinger;
Rosemarie Weissman; Eileen
Fitzgerald; Rose Roddy,
Caroline Monti Saladino
8
Christine Bishop-Feeny,
Jackie Lomtevas,
Christopher Reynolds
The Tita Monti Award for
Outstanding Community Education
T
The North Shore-LIJ Women’s Health Conference Award Ceremony
was held on May 13 at the Uniondale Marriott. Caroline Monti Saladino
was honored to present Dr. Tina Walch with the Tita Monti Award for
Outstanding Community Education. Dr. Walch is the medical director
of South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and a long-time psychiatrist at the
Zucker Hillside Hospital. She is a board-certified psychiatrist with more
than 25 years of experience in treating behavioral health disorders.
Dr. Walch has a long-standing interest in the behavioral health needs of
women and has been an advocate for women suffering from perinatal
mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression. She is
founding director of perinatal psychiatry services at the health system.
She is also the creator of the award-winning video, “Why Am I Blue?”
The Tita Monti Award for Outstanding Community Education was
established in 2003 for the purpose of recognizing an outstanding
achievement by a woman whose knowledge, integrity, motivation,
enthusiasm and first-rate teaching skills have helped members of the
community become more informed about their health and healthcare.
The award also recognizes a woman of talent and dedication who has
proven to be an exceptional educator and role model. 
Ralph Nappi, Caroline Monti Saladino, Tina Walch, MD
Recollections …
June 2005
Our founders Joseph & Tita Monti
celebrate “Don Monti Cancer Survivors’
Day” with North Shore-LIJ Health System
President & CEO Michael Dowling at
North Shore University Hospital.
9
Bunny Burns; Audrey Weisman;
Sharon Topper; RN, and Qi Lin, RN
Celebrating Independence Day
Volunteers set up for the July 4th Patient Celebration on 7 Monti
J
July 4th is a time of celebration across our
beautiful country, as proud Americans
mark the day by spending time with their
loved ones, and giving thanks for our
many freedoms. In the Don Monti Bone
Marrow Transplantation Unit, we know
how important it is to celebrate life each
and every day, and we are always happy
to see the patients, staff and volunteers
coming together in this way. The Don
Monti Memorial Research Foundation is
grateful to volunteer Bunny Burns, and
her daughters Kelly Lewis and Colleen
DeGaetano, RN, and their families for
always going the extra mile in making each
celebration memorable. 
5th Annual Strike Out Cancer Softball Game
J
June 21 marked the 5th annual Strike Out
Cancer softball fundraiser hosted by siblings
Taylor, Nikki and Jason Micelotta. Every year
the Micelottas reserve the field at Jericho
High School for the game, which over
the years has raised more than $40,000
for the Don Monti Memorial Research
Foundation. Members of the Jericho High
School community come together as players
and spectators to enjoy the day and raise
awareness. We are most grateful to Taylor,
Nikki and Jason for their dedication to
supporting our mission! 
The Morgan Center Celebrates Graduation for
Children Battling Cancer
T
The Morgan Center, located in
Hicksville, is the first and only
preschool program for children
battling cancer in the country,
and is tuition free to the
families. “The Morgan Center
is very grateful for the support
of the Don Monti Memorial
Research Foundation,” said
Rod Zuch, Co-Founder and
President. “This generous
donation will help more
children here on Long Island. As The
Morgan Center expands east and west, this support
will be fundamental in the center’s success.” The
Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation was
recognized as one of the Children’s Champion
Sponsors at the 11th Graduation/Moving-Up
Ceremony of The Morgan Center on June 16.
10
Twenty children battling cancer were lead
into the ceremony in their caps and gowns, by
16-year-old Morgan Zuch, namesake of The
Morgan Center, and cancer survivor. The
children sang songs for their parents and
guests, received their diplomas, and then celebrated
with refreshments and entertainment. There were
many smiles all around.
“We are thankful for the support of the Don
Monti Memorial Research Foundation for helping
to make this magical day possible, and continuing
to help more families battling cancer across Long
Island,” said Nancy Zuch, Co-Founding Director
and Teacher.
The Morgan Center will be opening its second
program site on Long Island this fall in Suffolk
County, and will be able to reach out to and
make a difference in the lives of more children
battling cancer. 
Tennis Calcutta to Benefit the
Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation
S
Saturday, August 9 was a beautiful day for tennis at Crest Hollow Country
Club. Members played in a men’s doubles Calcutta auction, which raised
$5,000 to benefit the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation. The
bidding opened at $200 per player, and quickly rose from there. The
competition was fierce throughout the day as the men played match after
match, until Zachary Chang and Steve Kirsch emerged as the champions in
the final round. The day was a tremendous success, and we are grateful to
director of racquet sports, Matt Garavaglia, and his staff for their efforts in
planning such a wonderful event.
Calcutta winners Zachary Chang
and Steve Kirsch
Participants in the 2014 Men’s Doubles Calcutta
Sophia Travaglia, Gianna Bolz, Anna & Steve Gevinski, Caroline Monti
Saladino, Matt Garavaglia, James McGorry, Katherine Faria, Caroline Faria
Matt Garavaglia
opens the bidding
in the Calcutta
auction
Katherine Faria, Robert Monti, Caroline Faria,
Sophia Travaglia
A great time was had by all
11
RD
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
One Bungtown Rd.
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
3
For more information, visit
Donate online at
Don Monti
October 11, 1955 – June 21, 1972
T
he
Don
Monti
Memorial Research Foundation
FOUNDER & FORMER PRESIDENT
Tita Scandalis Monti, FFSC
FORMER CHAIRMAN
OF THE BOARD
Joseph R. Monti, BFSC, KM
PRESIDENT
Caroline Monti Saladino
CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD
Richard D. Monti
Arthur J. Saladino
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
TO THE PRESIDENT
Jackie Lomtevas
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS
Matt DeGiaimo
Danielle & Joseph Faria, Esq.
Michele & Robert Fitzsimmons
Anna & Stephen Gevinski
Pat & Edward Travaglianti
ADVISORY BOARD
Lori Attivissimo, MD
Ruthee-Lu Bayer, MD
Alessandro Bellucci, MD
David Bernstein, MD
Howard & Margaret Cuomo Maier, MD
Jane & Michael G. Norman, CPA
Melanie & Robert Cassandro
Gwen & John Cooleen
Janine Dion
Caroline B. Faria
Debora & David Feinblatt
Christina & Carmine A. Fiore
Katy & Marc Goodrich
Fran & Alan Gorman, DDS
Niki & Joe Gregory
Joann & Alex Hatsis, MD
Stuart Hayim
Susan & Robert Johnson
Carmela & Jack Kelly
Madelyn & Carl Lombardi
Terry Lynam
Valerie & Dan Martin
Mary-Lynn & Timothy McDevitt
Victoria & Edward Meagher
Donald Monti
Erin Monti
Karen Orzel
Bro. Edmond Precourt, FSC
Randi Monti Puccio
Kathy Rayfield
Sarah & Joseph Saladino
Melissa & Don Saladino
Anthony Scotto
Christine & Denis Sheahan
Lori & Robert Soviero
Shannon & Wally Szczerbiak
Donna Monti Trinko
George Raptis, MD
George Tsunis
Joan & David J. Steinberg, PhD
Bruce Stillman, PhD
Nadya Swedan, MD
Vincent Vinciguerra, MD
Gary Wadler, MD
James D. Watson, PhD
Kenneth Villani, R.Ph.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sylvia & Robert Aiello
Donna & Frank Andrea
Christine & David Boccia
Judi & Richard Bua
Bunny Burns
HONORARY BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Hon. Mario M. &
Matilda R. Cuomo
Thomas J. Degnan, MD
Dennis Dowling
John S. T. Gallagher
Msgr. Thomas Hartman
Joan Klocke, RN, MSN, OCN
Ella & Bernard V. Strianese
Who's Who
A
Alessandro Bellucci, MD
Alessandro Bellucci, MD, is the Executive Director
of North Shore University Hospital and Associate
Professor of Medicine at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ
School of Medicine. Dr. Bellucci is responsible for
day-to-day operations at North Shore University
Hospital (NSUH). Previously, he served as the
hospital’s medical director.
Dr. Bellucci joined the NSUH medical staff in
1982 and has practiced there for over 30 years.
Prior to his appointment as medical director,
he held numerous leadership positions within
the Division of Nephrology and Department of
Medicine, including serving as executive vice chair
and interim chair of the Department of Medicine.
A nephrologist, Dr. Bellucci specializes in acute
renal failure, hematuria and proteinuria, acid base
disturbances, and hypertension evaluation of renal
function and kidney stones.
He is a Fellow of the American College of
Physicians, and a member of the American Society of Nephrology, the International
Society of Nephrology and the National Kidney Foundation.
Dr. Bellucci received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and
Surgery in Florence, Italy, and completed his residency at an NYU affiliated
program in New York City. He completed clinical and research fellowships in
nephrology at NSUH. 
Save the Date
Golf Outing
Monday, May 11, 2015
Old Westbury Golf &
Country Club
Howard Maier, Chairman

- The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation

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