71°
STAMFORD, Conn. Michele Carluccis husband Peter fought acute leukemia for two years until losing the battle in June 2010. The two-year financial burden of traveling and staying in Boston for treatments spurred Carlucci, a Stamford native, to establish Whiteys Fund to help families facing similar circumstances.
She organized the first annual Whiteys Fund Walk last Sunday in Stamford. The turnout was limited after the October snowstorm. Carlucci has more events planned to support Whiteys Fund in conjunction with the Jimmy Fund of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to help people stay with loved ones as they battle cancer.
Its a burden to find housing in Boston for all the families, said Carlucci, who was out of work for two years as she helped her husband deal with his health crisis. The Jimmy Fund helps with so many things. We wanted to find a way to make more funds available to families who have to stay there for extended periods.
Whiteys Fund walk was the second fundraising event for Carlucci and her family. She is also planning a wine-tasting event at North Star Restaurant in Pound Ridge, N.Y., on Monday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It will include a silent auction.
Although Carlucci recognizes Whiteys Fund is in its embryonic stages, she is determined and committed to its purpose. She made daily trips to Boston toward the end of her husbands treatment because he preferred being at home. Staying in Boston or commuting daily were both significant grinds. She is hoping Whiteys Fund will make things easier for someone in the same situation.
People interested in supporting this labor of love can reach Carlucci at maccarlucci@gmail.com or send a contribution to Whiteys Fund, 72 Rolling Wood Drive, Stamford, CT 06905.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
