Gregg was born on January 14, 1984, a healthy baby boy. Ten weeks later he started to show signs of respiratory distress.
What we thought was a typical case of croup turned into the worst time of our lives. Gregg ended up in North Shore University Hospital in the Pediatric ICU under the care of the Pediatric Oncology Department. His team of doctors and nurses were all top notch and had hopes that the tumor in his chest was treatable. Shockingly there were major complications and Gregg died during surgery. Needless to say Gregg’s death was a life-changing event for us in many ways. From that day forward we understood that you truly do not know what life will throw your way and that you have to live life to its fullest. We also became very aware of others and the difficulties, suffering, and pain that people deal with on a regular basis. It has been a hope of ours as a family to be able to support others who are in need. Over the years, we have been fortunate to participate in different events to show this support.
Dr. Mark Weinblatt and Dr. Phil Scimeca were two of Gregg’s doctors when he was in North Shore University Hospital. They left a lasting mark on us and we will always be grateful for the care they provided Gregg during his short time there. They now head the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital. Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids is the largest outpatient facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders in Nassau County. It is the County’s only member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a prestigious international consortium of collaborating hospitals recognized as leaders in the treatment of childhood cancers. COG membership places it at the forefront of research and the use of the latest treatment protocols. After last year’s event we were able to donate $41,000 to Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids. Over our first six years we have donated over $400,000 on behalf of all of you. The generosity and support of our family, friends, and business associates helped to turn our dream into reality. Honoring Gregg’s memory and continuing to help other children and their families battling this disease is something we believe is important. We hope that you agree and will participate in our outing in some manner.
— Debi, Bill, Bryan, Mary & Will, Mike & Kristina
