LILAC: Laughter, Inspiration, and Love Against Cancer

I’ve always loved volunteering, even before I started working at PSEG over two years ago.

In 2015, I helped found Jaime’s LILAC Foundation, where I am now treasurer. We started the foundation in honor of my friend Jaime Moltisanti Cucuzza who passed away from lung cancer at 38 years old. After seeing Jaime handle her diagnosis and treatment with such grace, compassion and humor, I was determined to help people experience joy in the midst of their fights against cancer.

Jaime’s LILAC Foundation creates care packages for cancer patients that include blankets, hats, socks, appointment calendars, crossword puzzles, children’s toys and much more. Community members volunteer with us to pack and deliver these precious packages.

Through partnerships, we donate to several doctors and hospitals such as Staten Island University Hospital – Northwell Health, Richmond University Medical Center, Regional Radiology and more.

To raise money for these care packages, we host annual fundraisers such as a brunch on Jaime’s birthday, a “Day at the Races” trip to the Monmouth Park Racetrack and a pumpkin sale for Halloween. In the past, we also have had a mobile mammogram and a rock-climbing wall at our events – anything to bring the community together for a good cause.

In fact, we have another Jaime’s LILAC Foundation Brunch coming up on March 1 at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn in Staten Island.

This foundation is truly a labor of love. I know I can’t cure these cancer patients, but at least I can put smiles on their faces by delivering LILAC – Laughter, Inspiration, and Love Against Cancer.