Healing
Nichola Perillo has become a champion for prostate cancer research and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) in honor of her father, Bruno, who passed away from the disease at age 64. During her father’s battle with prostate cancer, Nichola utilized PCF to learn more about the disease including treatment options.
“My father was so giving – he would take the shirt off of his back or give the last dollar in his pocket to someone in need,” said Perillo. “His generous spirit is what lives in me and in the lives of those he touched.”
After watching her father go through the ups and downs of prostate cancer, including experimental treatments and chemotherapy, Nichola felt helpless in her attempts to heal her father. Her efforts turned to fundraising to raise money and awareness so that other families did not have to go through what she and her family went through.
“My main focus is to raise awareness for annual physicals and early detection, so I decided to host the first fundraiser at a Chicago White Sox game – my father’s favorite team.”
The fundraiser, “Let’s Hit a Grand Slam for the Cure of Prostate Cancer,” is in its fourth year, having already raised more than $8,000 for prostate cancer research through the Prostate Cancer Foundation. This year’s July 26, 2010 game had a goal of raising $5,000 through ticket purchases, raffle tickets and donations and expected around 150 attendees. In past years, Nichola has raffled autographed baseballs and jerseys, as well as gift certificates for local restaurants and family activities. Last year a friend surprised Nichola with a sign on the White Sox billboard that read, “Let’s Hit a Home Run for the Cure of Prostate Cancer! We Miss you Bruno.” More information on Nichola’s fundraising event can be found by emailing Nichola at nperillo76@yahoo.com
Her ultimate goal is straightforward - to find a cure.
“I know it’s difficult for men to visit their doctors and be tested for prostate cancer, but you have to think of your family and friends. No one should have to live without their father, grandfather, brother, uncle or friend for a disease that has a 90 percent cure rate if detected early. Please make your appointment for your annual physical today!"
“My father was so giving – he would take the shirt off of his back or give the last dollar in his pocket to someone in need,” said Perillo. “His generous spirit is what lives in me and in the lives of those he touched.”
After watching her father go through the ups and downs of prostate cancer, including experimental treatments and chemotherapy, Nichola felt helpless in her attempts to heal her father. Her efforts turned to fundraising to raise money and awareness so that other families did not have to go through what she and her family went through.
“My main focus is to raise awareness for annual physicals and early detection, so I decided to host the first fundraiser at a Chicago White Sox game – my father’s favorite team.”
The fundraiser, “Let’s Hit a Grand Slam for the Cure of Prostate Cancer,” is in its fourth year, having already raised more than $8,000 for prostate cancer research through the Prostate Cancer Foundation. This year’s July 26, 2010 game had a goal of raising $5,000 through ticket purchases, raffle tickets and donations and expected around 150 attendees. In past years, Nichola has raffled autographed baseballs and jerseys, as well as gift certificates for local restaurants and family activities. Last year a friend surprised Nichola with a sign on the White Sox billboard that read, “Let’s Hit a Home Run for the Cure of Prostate Cancer! We Miss you Bruno.” More information on Nichola’s fundraising event can be found by emailing Nichola at nperillo76@yahoo.com
Her ultimate goal is straightforward - to find a cure.
“I know it’s difficult for men to visit their doctors and be tested for prostate cancer, but you have to think of your family and friends. No one should have to live without their father, grandfather, brother, uncle or friend for a disease that has a 90 percent cure rate if detected early. Please make your appointment for your annual physical today!"