Author Archive

In Loving Memory Of Kathy Pufahl
12/17/58 – 10/13/03

Many people remember Kathy Pufahl for her creative ability. Her innovative designs changed the look of American gardens. It is said the Kathy’s contributions have made a lasting impression on the horticulture industry. Dubbed the “queen of containers,” she was a visionary who took the ordinary and reintroduced it in extraordinary ways. That was also the way Kathy lived her life. She had joyfulness and a quick laugh that was contagious to all who knew and loved her. Despite being the subject of dozens of magazine articles and numerous television appearances, what she accomplished was secondary to who she was. She was a loving, dedicated mother to teenagers, Tyler and Torie and wife to high school sweetheart, Kevin Cande. She was the devoted daughter of Florence and Joseph Pufahl and sister to John, Joseph, and Robert. Kathy led her family as they worked together for school reform. She initiated significant fundraisers for the Chrohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Kathy was diagnosed with melanoma in 1990. It metastasized thirteen years later. During her short, fierce 10-month battle with melanoma, Kathy persisted, never letting her illness stop her from being a vital presence at school, soccer games and in her greenhouses. By all measures, the world is a better place because of Kathy’s boundless love and energy. We miss her dearly.

Laura Jean Dunn
01/26/63

Laura J. Dunn (maiden name, Southoff) of Hampton Bays, Long Island died in her home on Friday, May 3,^rd2002 after a battle with Melanoma Skin Cancer. She was 39. Prior to the reoccurrence of her illness, Mrs. Dunn was a medical biller for Dr. Mark Creighton of Hampton Bays. She was also the treasurer of the Hampton Bays PTA. She is survived by her husband John D. Dunn Jr. and their son, Stephen (10 years old).

Laura was a beautiful woman and a wonderful mother. We all miss her.

William C. Schiela 1954-2006

Bill was a loving man, husband and father. In their 20 year marriage, he provided the support and foundation for his wife, Deidre. As a devoted father to Courtney, Samantha and BJ, he was very active in their lives. He drove them to and from school, helped them with their homework, and encouraged them to do the best they could in every endeavor. He most liked to watch his children play sports, and perform in school concerts and plays. As their biggest fan, he was always present at their activities and was so proud of their achievements. Bill was well known in the community as someone who was always willing to lend a hand and, without fanfare or attention, could get things done; he was a master at organization. He served on the Board of the East Williston Little League and coached baseball, softball and soccer. With his infectious smile and clever mind, he loved to make people laugh and feel at ease. In 2005, Bill was diagnosed with melanoma on his big, right toe. After surgery to remove his toe, he fought valiantly through the debilitating interferon treatments for a year. As Bill and his family were looking forward to the end of his treatments in June 2006, he learned that the cancer had spread to his brain, lungs and liver. That summer, he underwent brain surgery to remove the largest tumor. However, because of the extensive spread of the cancer, Bill lost his battle with the cancer one month later and he passed away in September 2006.

Diana M. Shannon
9/19/55 – 10/31/05
Her Legacy of Hope Lives On Through
Her Family and Friends

Melissa K. Bambino
1975 – 2003

In Loving Memory

January 2001 Melissa Bambino, age 26 was diagnosed with Melanoma. In spite of surgery and follow up treatment, the following November Melissa had a seizure. In the fall of 2003 Melissa’s cancer had spread not only to her brain but to additional lymph nodes, her liver and her spine.

Three days before Christmas Melissa was admitted to hospital. On Christmas Eve she slipped into a coma and died two days later surrounded by her family, holding her hands and hugging her. In her honor the Melissa K. Bambino Melanoma Foundation has been created. Melissa’s story: www.melissafund.org

Gaetano R. Antonacci
07/10/1948 – 09/19/2008

The simplest things were always the most important to my father – eating dinner with his family; having some drinks outside with the neighbors; watching a baseball game with me. He lived for those moments, and they were the motivators that helped him maintain a courageous outlook through his struggle with cancer. Despite the punishment from the disease and its treatment, my father sought to conquer his illness right through his final days. He understood the importance of being there to dance with my sister, Katrina, at her wedding. He longed to see another sister of mine, Mary, complete her journey of self-discovery though education and ambition.

He battled for as long as possible if only because it afforded him more time to spend with the love of his life, my mother Kathy. There is a quote by former N.C. State men’s basketball coach Jim Valvano, a New Yorker and Italian-American himself that seems to embody the resilience my father maintained:

“Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.”

My father was a man who loved and savored life long before his illness, and he refused to let anything get in the way of that.

~Chris Antonacci

Mary Ann Eisner
12/6/1957 – 3/12/2003

In Loving Memory Of Mary Ann Eisner

Mary Ann was diagnosed with Melanoma quite by accident in 1998, at age 40, when she went to the Doctor for a routine removal of a hemorrhoid. She battled for 4 years and 10 months, undergoing every FDA approved treatment, plus 3 clinical trials and 5 surgeries. Despite it all the disease spread to her lungs and eventually throughout her body. She battled bravely every bit of the way and always tried to educate people who thought that skin cancer was no big deal. She passed away on March 12, 2003 and to this day no Doctor ever could pinpoint where the Melanoma began only that by the time it was picked up it was internal which severely limited her chances of being able to beat it. She leaves behind a devastated husband and two children (Samantha and Justin) who cannot understand how someone who appeared so healthy for much of the battle was just taken away so quickly at the end.

She was not simply a big part of our lives she was our life!

Cory Eisner

Colette was the finishing touch who completed the circle of her Irish-Catholic family. She had three brothers and a sister who was the closest in age to her. Being the youngest wasn’t always easy, especially as a teenager. Often there were too many “fathers” in the picture. The passing of years highlighted the treasure they found in each other. We took our daughter to Florida when she was nine years of age. Although she wore a tee-shirt while bathing, I do recall her getting severe sunburn. She also remembered a sunburn as a teenager. Subsequent years were spent being cautious since her auburn hair and fair skin would not permit unprotected sun exposure. Her busy work schedule prevented “much fun in the sun.” As her sister would say, when she did go to the beach, “She was like an old lady, all covered up.

At 22 years old, she had part of a mole, a birthmark removed. No cause for concern, or so she thought. Four years later, she noticed the remaining portion had changed, and brought it to the attention of her dermatologist. She had mild acne and attended dermatologists on a regular basis. She was then referred to a plastic surgeon whose surgery left a three-inch scar, quite wide and noticeable. Melanoma was not diagnosed. Again the thought was, she was “lucky.” Although she attended several doctors, including different dermatologists in the subsequent years, no one ever questioned her scar, nor did anyone do a body examine. Apparently, if you go in for “your face” they do your “face”.

In April, four years after surgery, Colette complained of soreness under her arm. Since she was in production work, she remarked, “Mom, I must have pulled something on the shoot”. After a week of increased discomfort, she brought it to the attention of her GYN with who she was due a check-up. She was a responsible young woman who went to preventative check-ups and followed recommended advice. Her GYN on April 28th assured her it was probably just a pulled muscle, not to worry. She, however, insisted on a sonogram, remarking she knew her own body and something was not right. A sonogram and a biopsy which were performed on May 4th and 5th, revealed four tumors. May 8th she was told she had cancer, the type had not been defined until her appointment May 11th with the breast surgeon, at which time we heard the word MELANOMA.

May 12th the surgeon at Sloan Kettering-Memorial Hospital indicated her tumors were inoperable. May 13th, the Oncologist at Sloan told us it was “very bad” and made arrangements for outpatient chemotherapy. Two treatments of outpatient chemotherapy had no effect. Colette, our beautiful, courageous daughter, determined to fight this battle no matter what, chose the most aggressive of the two protocols for inpatient care. She was aware that they were only clinical trials, but they were the only available recourse for her advanced stage of cancer. In spite of horrific side affects, she was prepared to go the third round of five continuous days of inpatient treatment only to be told that they had been ineffective. Although the huge swelling on her arm had decreased after the second round, the cells had reached out like a vicious monster determined to devour her precious body. A body she had never abused by alcohol or nicotine but rather had fed with vegetables, humus, fruits and an occasional tasty sweet. This horrible Melanoma Monster was now in her liver, bones and lungs. It was August 10th and she was told there just wasn’t any further treatment for her.

After her initial shock, she spent a brief period of grieving for the life she would never have. A new apartment on Central Park West; the day she was to move in was the day of her first appointment at Sloan Kettering. A position with Cablevision’s Metro Channel with people she loved. A summer share in the Hamptons. No longer being an independent contractor in production work, she planned to take time for herself on weekends. All of this was part of a dream that now had ended.

She was determined not to be a cancer victim, and never for a moment did she allow herself to be. She faced her death and spent her remaining days gifting her friends with her love and presents that were picked especially for them. She planned her funeral, and made her last wishes clearly known. She ministered to her family enabling them to share her pain along with her laughter. She prepared them for what had to be. Far more precious than the material gifts she chose for them, she enriched each person by enabling them to bring their unique specialness to her in her time of need. All adjusted work schedules, taking leave to be with her so that she would never be alone for a moment. Her 30th birthday was spent as planned in Cape Cod. How wise she was suggesting a RV enabling the family of seven to travel together. “It will be fun,” said she! In spite of weakness, pain and nausea at times, fun it was.

She chose to die two weeks later when her brother returned again from Missouri. All went through those last days and nights with her and all are awed by her strength, her wisdom and her courage. Truly the last became first. From the youngest, the wisdom of what life should be about, unfolded. While we can no longer have the joy of putting our arms around her, as her eldest brother said to her, “You will never leave me” and so she hasn’t. We feel her presence; we pray for her strength and know she will support us now as she did then.

It is in her name we have formed a foundation with the hopes of preventing someone else from experiencing the awful pain of losing a loved one to MELANOMA.

Her tragic ending brought us to the beginning of Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign. Through us her voice will echo. Colette would want people to be aware of this disease. Being knowledgeable, knowing your own body, recognizing changes in moles or birthmarks, and insisting on regular follow-ups after removal of same, is the best precaution one can take.

Those who have had Melanoma in the family are at risk. Fair-skinned individuals who burn easily are prime candidates. Not enough is known about this disease, however, we do know the sun and widespread use of tanning beds are a factor in the recent increase of cases.

We hope to change attitudes and behaviors. The warming rays of the sun are, in fact, dangerous and deadly. It is our hope that other people will be spared the pain of this deadly disease. Tanned Skin Is Damaged Skin!