Photo submitted – Angelina “Lena” Dorsagno and younger sister Maddy (right).
R.J. Lenarcic-Herkimer County Hunger Coalition
Dreams. We all have them. Most are enjoyable. But once in a while, there’s that danged nightmare and the subsequent loss of a night’s sleep. Then there are the daytimers, often when we’re youngsters. My main two were dreams of becoming the next Harry James (renowned trumpeter and bandleader) and a big league pitcher (pitched in high school and college). My wife, Kay, dreamt of becoming a teacher, and my youngest daughter, Jennifer, had dreams of becoming a noted singer.
Sadly, and much more often than not, our dreams, for one reason or another, are shattered, leaving us to try and pick up the pieces, hoping that any psychological damage incurred will be short-lived. In my case, an “old-school” trumpet instructor at Fredonia State tried to change my “crooked” embouchure, and by year’s end, I had changed my major from music to history. My trip to the big leagues, off to a great start at college, ended in a collision covering home plate. The broken arm finished my pitching career. Kay was one of the fortunate ones whose dream materialized. After Oneonta State, she went on to become an iconic second-grade teacher at Mohawk C.S. Thankfully, Jen continues to follow hers. The Berkley College of Music grad still writes and performs.
New Hartford’s Angelina “Lena” Dorsagno has hurdles to overcome if her dream of meeting Taylor Swift is to come true. She was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at the age of four. She beat it again at six and yet again at eight. Recently and tragically, she learned her cancer had returned. A beautiful, energetic 17-year-old who was working, attending school, and enjoying the car she had bought now faced the challenge of facing this damnable disease for a fourth time.
The onus of Lena’s illness has been exacerbated by having to travel back and forth for treatments in New York City, and the burden on her family has become almost unbearable. The latter consists of six children, four at home, including a younger sister with cerebral palsy, who is cared for full-time by her father. To help them get through this, a “One Team One Family Benefit Cornhole Tournament” has been scheduled for Saturday, August 12th at 1 PM at the Beer Garden (1777 Burrstone Rd., New Hartford). Other benefits are in the works.
I’m grateful that our Herkimer County Hunger Coalition and Herkimer Lions Club are making donations to the family, and I am asking other clubs, service organizations, and individuals to do likewise. Donations can be sent in the form of gift or gas cards to Brandi Boyer-3 Claridge Court-New Hartford, N.Y. 13413; for a monetary donation, go to https://gofund.me/4c468605.
Lena’s mom said the following-“My baby is not only my daughter and best friend, she’s also my hero. She is the epitome of strength. When I’m feeling down and sorry for myself, I look at my daughter and say stop. Lena doesn’t complain or feel sorry for herself. It doesn’t matter what I say. If Lena can do it, so can I. I always knew she was special.”
As I stated earlier, dreams are an important part of our lives. Let’s face it – we can’t escape them. I’m sure that in addition to meeting Taylor Swift, Lena dreams of the day when she’s cancer free. Let’s support with our prayers this wonderful 17-year-old during her courageous battle and help reduce the family’s financial burden with our donations. Together, just maybe, we can help Lena beat No. 4 and meet Taylor Swift, thereby proving that old adage – dreams really do come true.