Melina’s White Light Neuroblastoma Walk To Raise Money For Kids Cancer Research

Family and friends of Melina Riniolo describe the young girl as brave, silly, artistic and determined.  They say Melina loved making lists of movies to watch, foods her mom might make her and so much more.  She enjoyed the Sabres and Bills, loved steak hoagies and spending time with her family and friends.  Melina was 13-years-old when she lost her five-and-a-half-year battle with neuroblastoma last year.  Her family and friends are remembering her tomorrow (June, 18th) with the Neuroblastoma Walk 2011 to raise money for cancer research for children.

The Neuroblastoma Walk 2011 in memory of Melina Riniolo will be held at Clarence town park (10405 Main Street) tomorrow (Saturday, June 18th).  Registration is $25 and begins at 10am, with the two-mile walk to follow at 11am.  The walk is sponsored by Melina's White Light.  100-percent of the money raised will go directly to Dr. Giselle Sholler for her research on neuroblastoma.  You can also find the group on facebook at Melina's White Light and and the Neuroblastoma Walk for Melina's White Light.

Melina's White Light lists these facts about neuroblastoma:

• Each year 700 children are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma
• Every 16 hours a Child DIES from Neuroblastoma
• The average age at diagnosis is 2 years old and in most cases disease has already spread to many parts of their body labeling that child with stage IV cancer.
• Survival statistics for a child diagnosed with NB are 30-40% depending on their age.
• If a child relapses (like most do) there is NO CURE!
• Neuroblastoma is very aggressive and very hard to fight.

Melina's mom, Lisa Riniolo of Clarence, spoke with Joe and me the other day about her daughter, neuroblastoma and this weekend's walk.  Lisa's a brave woman, who is honoring her daughter's memory by trying to help families with children who face the same battle.