Giving Tuesday Update

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who donated this Giving Tuesday! We truly mean it when we say every dollar, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of families battling pediatric cancer. 

Because of you, we can provide distraction bags for children in treatment, assist families in keeping their utilities on, and so much more.

Your generosity brings hope and relief when it's needed most. Together, we are making a difference.

Distraction Bag Fundraiser

Last month, our board member Gina Bedell created an Amazon Wishlist and rallied her friends and neighbors to collect items for our distraction bags. Thanks to her efforts, she raised about $1,500 worth of goods and secured Homefront Security LLC as a sponsor for the backpacks! She also collected hats, gloves and scarves once she found out there was an ask from Hempstead Pediatrics.

Thank you, Gina, for organizing this fundraiser. These distraction bags will bring joy and entertainment to children undergoing chemotherapy.

If you’d like to donate items or become a bag sponsor (your logo will be on the bags along with ours), we’d love your support, this initiative runs year-round. Please email Terrie for more information: tmagro@magrofoundation.com.

Donation to Hempstead Pediatrics

Last month, Hempstead Pediatrics reached out in need of hats, gloves, scarves, and pajamas for children. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to collect and purchase a variety of cozy items, which Terrie personally delivered last week.

Your support this holiday season—and throughout the year—makes it possible for us to help families facing unimaginable challenges. As parents focus on their child’s battle with cancer, the last thing they should worry about is how to keep them warm.  

Thank you for being part of this mission to bring comfort and care to those in need. Together, we make a difference!

Toys for Toys

A heartfelt thank you to Ryan Dempsey, MMF board member and managing partner of Northeast Group in Yaphank, and Toys for Tots for their incredible generosity!

The multiple-filled Toys for Tots boxes will bring so much joy to the children at NYU Langone Hempstead Pediatrics. Your kindness brightens the lives of so many families, and we are deeply grateful for your support. Together, we’re making a difference!

Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Light at a Time

This past summer, we connected with Naldoven from Yule Love Lights, who graciously offered to create professional Christmas light displays for two families supported by the Michael Magro Foundation. With the help of Nancy, a social worker at NYU Cancer Center for Kids, we identified families who could use some extra joy this season. Yule Love Lights went above and beyond, handling every detail to turn these homes into magical displays of light and love.

One mom shared her gratitude:

"2024 found us with 2-year-old Maeve battling leukemia. After so much hardship, it's wonderful to see the girls experience such joy this holiday season."

Another family expressed:

"Their kindness truly brought our home to life and brings a smile to our faces every day. We are incredibly grateful."

Moments like these remind us of the true meaning of the holidays—bringing light to others during their darkest times. Thank you, Yule Love Lights, for spreading joy and creating unforgettable memories!

Woodland Avenue Elementary School

Woodland Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville is where Michael and Marc attended. Each year the PTA and teachers organize a toy drive in Michael’s honor for the children at NYU LI pediatric inpatient unit.

In addition this year we also received toys from the National Honor Society for Dance Arts at Positions Dance Studio in Babylon. MMF wants to extend a big thank you for all the toys collected for children in the hospital during this holiday season.

Southwoods Middle School Donates $3,000

A heartfelt thank you to South Woods Middle School in Syosset for raising an incredible $3,000 for the Michael Magro Foundation since October! Your dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring.

Here’s what Principal Michelle Burget had to say:

"Thank you, Terrie, for devoting your time and passion to sharing your family's story and inspiring our students. Through their work with South Woods C.A.R.E.S., our students have learned the value of compassion, awareness, respect, empathy, and service. Your visits and connection with our students have sparked their passion for supporting children with cancer and other pediatric illnesses. Together, we've already accomplished so much and look forward to continuing our outreach this spring!"

From our fall WalkAThon to turnkey classroom visits, South Woods has gone above and beyond to support the Foundation's mission. Your compassion and commitment are paving the way for brighter tomorrows.

Eminae Donated $500

On Thursday, December 12th, Eminae hosted their holiday party at AG Steakhouse in Westbury, and we were honored to attend. Kyle Griffith, CEO and Founder of Eminae, invited Paul and me to join the celebration. As an ambassador to the Michael Magro Foundation and an exceptional networker, Kyle is always finding ways to make a positive impact.

During the event, we had the pleasure of meeting incredible business leaders who share a passion for philanthropy. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, Kyle allocated the raffle proceeds to the foundation, raising $500 to support the families we serve.

This event not only brought financial support but also helped raise awareness about our mission. On behalf of myself and the MMF board, thank you to everyone who contributed and showed interest in our vision for the future. Your support means the world!

Gift Card Donation

We would like to thank Tim Kelly and his team at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. in Edgewood, NY for collecting over $1,100 in gift cards. Cards will be distributed to the social workers from our 3 Long Island pediatric cancer clinics and distributed to the families. Each card represents an act of kindness and is very much appreciated.

Herald Community Newspaper Donation

We are thrilled to announce that Herald Community Newspapers/Richner Communications has generously donated $2,000 to the Michael Magro Foundation! 

This incredible contribution was made possible through Top Chiefs Award Gala on 11/20 at The Heritage Club in Bethpage. Richner events hosted the Gala that brought together their community to make a difference.

Their generosity will go a long way in helping families facing medical crises, allowing us to provide essential support, and comfort during challenging times.

Please join us in giving a big THANK YOU to Herald Community Newspapers for their kindness and for embodying the true spirit of community. Your support inspires us all to give back and make a positive impact.

Let’s spread the word about the amazing work they’re doing—because together, we’re making a difference!

Adopted 20 Families

This season, we had the privilege of adopting 20 families, thanks to Ed Hebron and his amazing donors who helped raise over $12,000 to support them. In addition, the generous donors of MMF helped raise even more funds, enabling us to assist even more families across Long Island. Together, we’re making a truly meaningful difference and bringing hope to those in need.

Thank you for your incredible support and generosity!

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who contributed to the Michael Magro Foundation this year. Your generosity has been nothing short of transformative.

Because of you, we’ve been able to support countless children and families facing unimaginable challenges. From providing comfort through our life essentials program to funding programs that bring hope and healing, your donations have made a profound impact.

This year, we expanded our outreach, supported more families than ever, and created moments of joy in times of difficulty - all because of your unwavering commitment.

On behalf of the children, families, and communities we serve, thank you for standing with us. We look forward to continuing this journey of hope and impact with you in 2025.

With gratitude,

Paul & Terrie