In Memoriam

Nancy stoically battled Stage 4 EGFR+ NSC Lung Cancer for 3 1/2 years. In her final days, a biopsy revealed that T790M was the cause of disease progression & the complications she experienced in her last five weeks. By then, her body was too compromised to begin the next treatment we were hoping would give her more time. Five days later, she passed away with her family by her bedside.

We have since decided to donate to LCRF in Nancy’s memory. We hope that by funding further scientific research, future patients will have improved treatment options & extended survival times.

Nancy dedicated her life to others. Besides her husband & children, “Nannie’s” grandchildren were an endless source of pride & joy. She was the ultimate Mama Bear who loved and protected fiercely. At just five feet tall, the quote “Though she be but little, she is fierce” is apropos of the extent of her love and devotion to loved ones. The ultimate homemaker & hostess, she was the life of every party & revered as a consummate home chef. Nancy never met a stranger or sparkly outfit she didn’t like. Her smile, endless energy & laughter lit up any room she entered. She loved practical jokes, so it was fitting her favorite holidays were April Fool’s & Halloween. Her bright light & radiant smile will never be forgotten, for she left a little sparkle wherever she went.

Kathy Mecca was an incredibly caring and loving wife, mother, and friend. Her dedication to laughter, love, and family will live on through her memory. She will always be our sunshine.

Her unconditional love, courage and generosity will remain forever in our hearts and guide her family for generations to come.

A native New Yorker, born Faye Marie Milazzo in Manhattan, she moved to Staten Island in her thirties to start a family with her husband, John – whom she met while getting her hair styled for a work gala at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. Being her bold, bright self and at the risk of seeming too forward (which was not really something she was concerned about), Faye Marie asked her handsome hairstylist, John, if he wanted to be her date at the gala that night – and the rest is history. Faye Marie was always the life of the party and enjoyed hosting sing and dance parties often, even if it was just her and her daughter, Nicole. “She was my best friend – my biggest fan and my greatest critic, which shaped the person I am today. We enjoyed shopping together, watching TV and seeing shows on Broadway. I miss her more and more every day that passes.” Through fundraising and awareness efforts and events, Nicole is able to focus on the amazing memories with her mom, and stay positive for other families facing a lung cancer diagnosis and journey. She also finds solace knowing that her mom is proudly watching over her and her daughter. While Gracie Faye never met her grandmother, she will always carry the gift of her name. The continued love and support from family, friends, and the lung cancer community, gives Faye’s family the strength to remember her smile, laughter and passion for living life.

Felice Lipit Jentis was only 39 years old when she lost her life to lung cancer. Like many others with a lung cancer diagnosis, she had no symptoms. She never smoked, ate a well-balanced diet, and did everything by the book. Yet, just 32 days after diagnosis, she was gone.

That was nearly 15 years ago. Back then, there were no options for her. No clinical trials, no targeted therapies, and no Hail Mary pass. It was unacceptable, and my family vowed to make a change.

Since the day she died, her family has channeled our grief by investing in lung cancer research. Her memory lives on through the remarkable science that continues to provide patients with new treatment methods and extended survival.

These many years without Felice have been tremendously difficult. But her loved ones are inspired by the promise that research provides, we have been inspired by the groundbreaking outcomes.

Larry Shapiro was born July 17, 1955 and was taken from his family and friends way too young on November 6, 1996. He was a loving and funny daddy, husband, brother, son, uncle and best friend to all. He was constantly challenged, unusually unique and so special. He was always power lunching to make a better life for his wife Lorrie and his three children Danyelle, Jessyca and Max. Larry was the life of the party and would light up any room he entered. His devotion to all of his family and friends will be forever missed.