Frankie is honored by the community: “The Walk to the Bridge for Frankie’s Kids”

September 5, 2012 Editorial Staff
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Saturday, September 15, will be a special day for the Loccisano family, who five years ago lost their teenage son, Francesco Loccisano, aka Frankie, to cancer, as they prepare to host an inaugural walk to salute and support children who are fighting against the same disease.

The inspirational Walk to the Bridge for Frankie’s Kids, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., is calling “upon the charitable to participate,” during what is the month of pediatric cancer awareness, in honor of Frankie and many other young kids who battle against the illness and strive to survive.

The walk to the Verrazano Bridge will begin at the 69th street Pier in Bay Ridge, with registration taking place prior to the walk, at 8:30 a.m.

Frankie was born and raised in Brooklyn. He was only 14 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and later with leukemia. At his young age, “he endured extremely invasive treatments, countless surgeries, and constant procedures,” according to the official website of the Frankie Loccisano Memorial Foundation.

After he died, at the age of 17, Frankie’s mom, Camille Orrichio Loccisano founded the non-profit organization aimed at financially assisting children and families nationwide who bravely struggle to keep their heads above water.

“Frankie wanted to make a difference in the lives of children who are battling cancer, and his wishes are the spirit and driving force of our organization,” exclaimed Loccisano.

As Loccisano explained, there will be “more than one thing happening on that day. We will be memorializing him,” she added about her son, who would now 22 years-old.

The organization’s board Chair, Kevin Breen, also stressed the importance of the event.

“In his memory [Frankie’s], this is a poignant event that benefits families undergoing extreme difficulties,” he explained.

“In the five years since we have launched, our organization has given significant financial assistance to over 100 individual families who have a child with cancer,” Breen added. “We are able to extend that help because of events such as this walk.”

Loccisano agreed. “We are so happy, and proud, over the response of the community,” she noted.

Event Chair Sandra Speer commented that “Countless people, of all ages, are eagerly putting their teams together and reaching out to receive pledges for their Walk. Many corporations and businesses are also getting involved because they know what a paramount event this will be and because they care about these children.”

Leading the walk as grand marshal will be 13-year-old cancer survivor Daniel Fortunato.

If you would like to donate or register and set up a team page, visit www.crowdrise.com/WalkToTheBridgeForFrankiesKids or call 917-496-7534 for further information.

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