Chinese Auction Held For Sachem Student With Rare Condition

A Sachem North student recovering from risky operations and medication to combat a rare form of leukemia received the benefit of a successful Chinese Auction held at Momo's Sports Bar and Grill in Holbrook.

The auction, held for incoming senior Nick Franzi, raised a total of $2,200 to help his family while he recovers at a special hospital in Memphis, TN, according to a spokesperson for the family.

Franzi suffers from Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia (CML), an uncommon form of cancer that only affects about 50 children in the U.S. per year. Since his diagnosis, Franzi has undergone numerous bone marrow transplants as well as a course of experimental medications.

Last year, that turned out more than a 1000 volunteers. None of them were a match and Franzi had to eventually receive a transplant from his father that was successful. Now in remission, Franzi is recovering at St. Jude's hospital in Tennessee while his mother battles her own health problems on Long Island.

"Throughout the several years Nick has been struggling with cancer, he has been an uplifting inspiration to all that have the pleasure of knowing him," the spokesperson said in an email. "Always positive and humble, Nick is handling all life has handed him with grace, humor and a hopeful outlook for the future."

Another fundraiser is planned for next Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue. The evening, which is limited to ages 16 and up, will feature live bands, line dancing, a 50/50 raffle and another chinese auction. The event costs $10 at the door, and all proceeds will count as a tax-free donation.

Others interested in donating can send checks to:

The Nicholas Orlando Franzi Foundation for Children with Cancer, P.O. Box 201 Lake Grove, NY 11755.