Charity hunts ‘Frankie’s Heroes’ in cancer fight

January 21, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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When Dyker Heights teenager Francesco Loccisano was undergoing cancer treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center in 2006 and 2007, he made sure to visit children in the hospital, his mother, Camille Orrichio Loccisano, said. Frankie, as his family and friends called him, wanted to bring some comfort and a sense of hope to the kids, his mother said.

Frankie Loccisano died in September of 2007. His mother established a memorial foundation in his name to help young cancer victims and their families.

The Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation is currently looking for “Frankie’s Heroes,” young people who have served their communities on a volunteer basis. The foundation’s board is seeking nominees for “Frankie’s Heroes” awards to be handed out during a ceremony to take place at the Dyker Beach Golf Course Catering Hall on March 10.

The foundation will host its second annual event to celebrate children and teens who demonstrate outstanding qualities and values toward inspiring and bettering the lives of others and their community.

“Frankie was a hero, and he had an appreciation for heroism within others. Now, in his memory, we aim to applaud young people who mirror such values and deserve special recognition,” Orrichio Loccisano said.

Last year, the organization honored several young people. One teenage boy saved the life of a neighbor. Another teenage girl started a fundraising jewelry line in honor of her mom in her fight against breast cancer.

The proceeds from the awards dinner will benefit the foundation’s mission of assisting the pediatric cancer community nationwide, Orrichio Loccisano said.

The chairwoman of the event is Christina Bruno, cousin to Frankie Loccisano, and a fifth grade teacher at P.S. 69 n Bay Ridge.

The nominations are open to young people who engage in generous and selfless acts that make a significant difference in the life of another or who demonstrate resilience and courage during a difficult challenge that led toward inspiring others.

To nominate someone to be one of “Frankie’s Heroes,” send a detailed paragraph to [email protected] that includes information on why the nominee should be considered. Include the nominee’s name, school, grade and age. Submission must include the adult’s name, phone number and relationship to child.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 10.

For information on becoming a sponsor of the “Frankie’s Heroes” event, call 917-496-7534.