STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It’s been more than four decades since 18-year-old Michael Ferrara lost his battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a tragedy that left his mom, Victoria Ferrara, heartbroken.
Michael, a Tottenville High School grad, was diagnosed on May 18, 1980 in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He lost his battle with the disease on April 10, 1981, less than a year later.
Ferrara decided to honor her son’s memory by hosting annual toy drives and collecting toys for terminally ill children staying at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. During his illness, Michael stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, a center known as “The house that love built.”
Ferrara has now announced another type of drive — one that would last all year and benefit cancer patients.
“I had so much success with the Toy Drive, that I’m sure this drive will also succeed, given the fact that Staten Islanders, friends and family are always there to give and help. This idea came to me just last month like a light bulb. 2017 was the first year that I did not run the Toy Drive and I was so lost during the year.”
Her thought is for all knitters, crocheters and quilters to create blankets, slippers, chemo hats, afghans, lap throws, mittens, gloves, scarves, and regular hats for adults, children and babies.
The drive will be ongoing with no deadlines. There will be no special requests and no monetary donations. Ferrara will take the responsibility of having items dropped off at her home or she will pick them up if need be.
“I intend to distribute them to all cancer patients everywhere I can think of,” she added. “I will be responsible for hand delivering or mailing finished products to hospitals, cancer centers, and patients at home, nursing homes, etc. And as usual, anyone can feel free to call or email me with any questions.”
Ferrara explained she continues to head these drives in memory of her son.
“Hence, the Michael Ferrara Memorial Fund was born. I…
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