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"DIX HILLS, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.

Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.

Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community.

What is your name?

Katia Conte

What is the name of your charity?

Daniela Conte Foundation

What is your position within your charity?

President/Co-Founder

What community is your organization based in?

Long Island, Dix Hills, NY

Link to your website

danielacontefoundation.org

What is your mission?

The mission of the Daniela Conte Foundation is a deeply personal and heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Our overarching goal is to provide direct financial support, raise awareness, and fund vital research to aid these brave young warriors and their families. Having personally experienced the harrowing journey of pediatric cancer with our daughter Daniela, I empathize with the immense challenges these families face. We believe that the help we extend through our programs is a beacon of hope when families battling this disease need it most, and we aspire to offer a guiding light through the darkest of times.

What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.

We are passionate advocates for raising awareness about childhood cancer. Through impactful speaking engagements in schools, we educate students on the stark realities of pediatric cancer and highlight the glaring underfunding it receives. By empowering the younger generation with knowledge, we're nurturing a sense of empathy and social responsibility that extends far beyond our organization.

Our commitment to spreading the word doesn't stop at schools. We actively engage with our local newspapers and participate in radio shows to amplify our message. The more people are informed about our mission, the more support we can garner, and the more families we can assist. We areconstantly expanding our reach to different states, recognizing that childhood cancer is a nationwide issue. Our efforts know no geographical bounds because the battle against pediatric cancer is universal.

What inspired you to start your charity?

Our journey began with our eldest daughter, Daniela, who was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Throughout her four-year battle against pediatric cancer, Daniela was a wellspring of never-ending hope and love. The drawers in our home are still filled with the little cards and drawings she crafted for us. While she fought for her life, she told us she wanted to help other children and families facing challenges like ours.

My husband Anthony and I created the Daniela Conte Foundation after Daniela gained her angel wings on March 2, 2020 at the tender age of 8. This decision was rooted in our commitment to carrying out her heartfelt wish. It's in Daniela's honor that we are resolute in becoming the voices of change in the battle against pediatric cancer. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up.

How can people help you accomplish your organization’s mission or get involved in events?

People can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with cancer and support our mission in several ways:

• Swap Shoelaces: Mark your 2024 calendars for Sept. 1 and plan to join the Go Gold Shoelace Campaign and switch your regular shoelaces for gold ones during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. These gold laces symbolize hope and love for children fighting cancer, and 100% of the proceeds go towards financially assisting families.

• Donate: Your generous contributions directly support local pediatric cancer families. With 95 cents of every dollar donated going to the families we serve; you provide essential financial assistance to those navigating the high costs of childhood cancer treatment. Donations can be made at danielacontefoundation.org.

• Employer Matching: Did you know that your employer may match your donation, doubling the impact? You can check with your company to see if they offer donation matching and make your support go even further.

• Start a Fundraiser: Initiate your own fundraiser for the Daniela Conte Foundation. Whether it's a unique challenge, a physical activity, or a bake sale, your fundraiser can create a significant impact. These efforts are tax-deductible and directly benefit families facing pediatric cancer. The simplest way to contribute is by creating a Facebook fundraiser. We’ll be sharing more information throughout November on simple ways to get involved at www.danielacontefoundation.org/giving-tuesday.

• Raise Awareness: Help us in raising awareness about childhood cancer. Share stories, engage in conversations, and use social media to highlight the importance of this issue. Childhood cancer receives just 4 percent of the federal cancer research budget, and outdated treatment options remain a challenge.

• Follow us on Social Media: Follow the Daniela Conte Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Share stories about the courageous children in our community who benefit from your support. Stay updated on events, including our annual 5k run, community blood drives, and fundraising events like the Annual "Bet on a Cure" Casino Night in February, or the Annual Fall Butterfly Gala.

• Attend a Community Blood Drive: Join our community blood drives to support children battling cancer. Your blood donation can make a life-saving impact. Dates are announced periodically on our social media handles.

• Newsletter Subscription: Sign up for our monthly newsletter on our website, where you'll receive touching stories, event notifications, and important news related to the fight for a cure for childhood cancer delivered right to your inbox.

What is the most memorable moment you’ve had since starting your organization?

One of the most touching moments in the history of the Daniela Conte Foundation was the day we received a heartfelt thank-you letter from the family of a child undergoing cancer treatment. Our grant had provided crucial assistance, enabling them to afford the fuel needed for travel to their child's treatment appointments.

This family was a living testament to the grim reality that 30 percent of childhood cancer patients require specialized treatment at facilities located more than 60 miles from their homes. This translates to 5,000 children and their families who confront a formidable financial crisis. Travel expenses become an unexpected burden, as medical insurance often fails to cover many treatment-related costs. For these families, the simple act of paying for fuel to travel between hospitals can quite literally determine life or death.

Receiving their heartfelt letter filled our hearts with joy and reaffirmed that our efforts have a tangible, life-altering impact on the children battling childhood cancer and their families.

What else would you like people to know about your charity?

The Daniela Conte Foundation is more than just a charitable organization; it's a labor of love and dedication by our family. We prioritize transparency and efficiency, with an impressive 95 cents out of every dollar raised going directly into our programs. As a 100 percent volunteer-run charity, our expenses are minimal, ensuring that our resources are maximized to support as many families as possible. We invite everyone to join us in our mission to provide hope, support, and resources to children fighting cancer and their families. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.

What are your organization's social media pages or handles?

Facebook - Daniela Conte FoundationInstagram - @danielacontefdnX (formerly Twitter) - @DanielaConteFoundationLinkedIn - Daniela Conte Foundation