16 The Courier sun • march 5, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com WINNER 3 YEARS IN A ROW Holy Cross Supports Fellow Knight and #OomphForKaty Social Media Campaign On February 27, 2015 seniors at Holy Cross High School participated in an assembly that focused on the school’s tradition of brotherhood and service. Students and faculty came out in support of one of their own, Joe Monte, Class of 2005, and a New York City firefighter. Joe’s wife, Katy Starck Monte, has been battling cystic fibrosis since early childhood. After being admitted to Columbia Presbyterian over three months ago, Joe has been by his wife’s side while they awaited a second life-saving operation after her body rejected organs from a previous double lung transplant. Cystic fibrosis, commonly referred to as CF, is a genetic disease that affects the human respiratory and digestive systems. Death occurs in over 80% of people who lose their battle with CF due to the damage it causes to their lungs. For Katy, the odds of receiving a transplant were not optimistic. As a resident of New York City, she lives in one of the direst locations for a transplant recipient. Based on data from LiveOnNY, in 2013 less than 3 out 10 patients in their New York service area received the organ transplant surgery they needed to survive. Against all odds, but in an attempt to keep hope alive after the first failed transplant, Katy’s family and friends began a social media campaign called #OomphForKaty that quickly went viral. Joining the bandwagon were complete strangers, many of them celebrities, who began posting photos and messages on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. In support of the campaign, a group of art students at Holy Cross designed hand drawn letters they posted on the internet to let Joe know that, as a fellow Knight and brother for life, he would always be in their thoughts and prayers. VP for Admissions Joseph Giannuzzi shows support for #OomphForKaty Campaign During the senior assembly, students were also encouraged to have discussions with their loved ones and families about becoming registered organ donors when they apply for, or renew, their driver’s licenses. They also learned that other types of donations, such as blood, platelets and tissue, are desperately needed by so many individuals residing in the New York metropolitan area. This day was also special in another way; it marked the one week anniversary of Katy receiving her second double lung transplant and she is now on the road to recovery. The entire Holy Cross High School community wishes Katy, Joe, and their loved ones the best and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers while continuing to raise awareness for organ donation. To learn more about becoming a registered organ donor, or the #OomphForKaty campaign, please visit donatelife.org and #oomphforkaty.com “Friends now, Brothers for Life” ADVERTORIAL Mon: 10-6 Tues-Fri: 10-7 Sat: 10-5 Closed Sunday TODAY’S HOME DECOR “Beautifying The Neighborhood One Home At A Time” Kitchens & Baths For Every Lifestyle 137-07 Cross Bay Blvd • Ozone Park, NY 11417 718.835.7400 Designer Kitchens At Affordable Prices! Visit Our Website At www.todayshomedecor.net VANITY INVENTORY BLOW OUT SALE!! • FREE Estimates • Contractors Welcome • Professional Installation Available WINTER SALE
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