Loss Of Mom Inspires Three Village Student To Raise Money For ACS

EAST SETAUKET, NY — Joseph Nizza, a ninth grader at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School, turned a personal loss into a positive force for change when he helped raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society and to fund a scholarship for Ward Melville High School graduates, according to the Three Village Central School District.

"Ever since my mother, Natalie Nizza, a renowned doctor in this community passed away after an 80-day battle with cancer at 45, I knew I had to do something to not let the grief overrun me, but I had to use it as the tip of my sword," Nizza said via press release. "My mother was a doctor for 20 years and gave her all to her job and patients, and with this fundraiser, I gave my all to the community."

Last spring, Nizza made a presentation at each of the Gelinas spring concerts and raised donations from the audience. As a result of the community’s generosity, more than $2,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society, and another $8,000 was collected to build a scholarship that will be given to a graduating high school female student who is pursuing a career in a medical field like his mother.