Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation Hosts The 44th Ball of the Year

Over 800 guests danced and dined at The 44th Ball of the Year hosted by The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation on Nov. 14.

Guest watched the video, “Surviving Cancer: The Journey,” which highlighted patient’s experiences from diagnosis to wellness at this year’s annual event, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

Tita and Joseph Monti founded The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation in 1972 in memory of their son Don who passed away from myeloid leukemia at age 16. To this day, the Monti and Saladino families continue their dedication to their ”trinity,” which is patient care, research and education.

“This three-fold mission will continue to improve the lives of the many people who have been touched by cancer and ultimately fulfill our goal of finding a cure for all cancer,” foundation president Monti Saladin said. “Mom would say in every patient’s eyes she would see her son, and in every survivor’s eyes she would see his life extended.”

The foundation is currently under the direction of Monti Saladino, Tita and Joe’s daughter and Don’s sister.

Since the foundation’s inception, more than $42 million has been invested into cancer treatments on Long Island.

All contributions to The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation provide funding for: patient care at North Shore University Hospital, home of the Don Monti Division of Oncology/Hematology and the Don Monti Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, plus Don Monti Cancer Centers in Huntington, Glen Cove and Plainview hospitals; research on AML and other cancers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; and education at Long Island University/CW Post for a groundbreaking masters program in genetic counseling for adults.

Images via Laurie Cotumaccio

Photo 1: the Monti Saladino family

Photo 3: Don Monti