Latest Team of the Week
THIS WEEK:
Pat's Pals
2012 TEAMS OF THE WEEK:
Team Gould
Team Deloitte
Team New Life
Carol's Crew
Macy's
Arvin Clone
Hewitt Cares
Team Sheila
Team PepsiCo
Pace University
Team Mastercard
Team Charlotte Team acCounting on a Cure
Team Partners on the Path
Team Nana York City
Team Phoenyx Fitness
Team Momma
Team TAFD
Team Pink Party
Team Pink Panthers
Team Red Lipstick
2011 TEAMS OF THE WEEK:
Team Esther Trencher
Team Broadway Boobies
The Cancer Made Me Do It
Team PepsiCo
Hindy’s Helpers
Team Ilene
The Pink Ponies
Suetopia
Young Professionals of Komen Greater NYC
Team Debbie
Foot Steps for a Cure
Bosh's Boobettes
Gussie’s Gang
keep aBreast
Hadassah Heelers
The Pinks
Lion Heart
Sharsheret
If you would like your Race team to be profiled, please download and fill out the Team of the Week form.
Team of the Week
Team Pink Party
Founded by a mother, re-launched by her daughter — both breast cancer survivors
In 1999, Barbara Vernale, a breast cancer survivor, started a Komen Greater NYC Race team. In 2010, after her daughter Lisa Vernale Fusco was diagnosed, the team was named Team Pink Party with Fusco becoming its captain. Last year, the team had 20 members and raised $16,000. This year its fundraising goal is $10,000.
“My mother — a two-time breast cancer survivor — got our family walking in the Race 14 years ago, and we’ve been doing so ever since,” said Fusco. Last year, Fusco was Komen Greater NYC’s Survivor of the Year and her father, Michael Vernale, was honored as Co-Survivor of the Year.
Lisa Vernale Fusco with her parents,
brothers and husband at the 2011
Race finish line.
Fusco was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at the age of 26. Recently married, she had just two-and-one-half weeks to absorb the shock of her diagnosis. Over six months, she underwent four major surgeries, fertility treatments and four months of chemotherapy. During chemo, Fusco decided to give back, so she not only gave the team a new name, but also started hosting Lisa’s Pink Party — an annual summer team fundraiser at Belmont Racetrack. Last year’s event had 200 attendees and raised over $12,000.
The team is made up of family and friends. Members include four cancer survivors — Fusco, her mother, her mother’s best friend Janet Russo and her father, who is a prostate cancer survivor. Any friend or family member who wants to walk with the team is welcome.
“Each year, there are some new faces,” said Fusco, “ which is awesome, since the team includes everyone who wants to show their love and support.” Team members besides Fusco include her parents and brothers — who have walked every year and, according to Fusco, are her biggest supporters. And, of course her husband Eugene, who Fusco described as “…the most amazing person in the world; my rock and strength every step of the way.”
Team Pink Party uses Facebook as its primarily fundraising tool. “It’s been a huge help,” explained Fusco. She also has created a website, lisaspinkparty.com, which allows visitors to donate directly to the team on its Komen Greater NYC Race team web page. A majority of the team’s funds are raised through Lisa’s Pink Party, which this year is scheduled for Saturday, June 30th.
When asked about the team’s favorite memory, Fusco responded that every year is special for different reasons. “Since day one — whether you walk or run — we have waited for each other and crossed the finish line together with my mom,” she explained. “It’s the best part of the day, followed by my dad’s brunch!”
