HUNTINGTON, NY – September 3, 2026
A tree at Veterans Plaza outside Huntington Town Hall is glowing gold throughout September, carrying the names and stories of children affected by cancer. Each gold ribbon hanging from its branches bears a child’s name, while a memorial plaque dedicated to Daniela Marie Conte rests at the base.
The Town of Huntington joined the Daniela Conte Foundation for the sixth annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Month tree lighting on September 1, bringing together local officials, advocates, survivors and families who know firsthand what childhood cancer can mean.
A Family’s Loss Becomes a Mission
Councilwoman Theresa Mari spoke about the Town’s continuing partnership with Katia and Anthony Conte, who created the Daniela Conte Foundation after losing their eight-year-old daughter, Daniela, to a rare sarcoma in March 2020. The foundation donated the gold lights and ribbons decorating the tree.
“It is through the love and dedication of your daughter Daniela that your commitment to ensure that her passing was not in vain, that we stand here each year to remember those unforgettable young people that have succumbed to the devastation of childhood cancer,” Mari said.
Katia Conte, president and co-founder of the foundation, attended with her daughter Gemma and shared how unexpectedly cancer entered their family’s life.
“Our family never saw childhood cancer coming,” Conte said. “Before Daniela’s diagnosis, cancer was something we thought only happened to adults. We quickly learned how devastating child cancer can be, not only emotionally but financially… Child cancer does not just affect a child; it affects an entire family.”
The Daniela Conte Foundation provides financial and emotional support to families dealing with hospital stays, lost income and mounting expenses. In a one-on-one interview with Huntington Matters following the ceremony, Maria Galofaro, Director of Sponsorships for the foundation, said the need is constant.
“The foundation gets applications about 10 to 12 a day for financial assistance,” Galofaro said.
Galofaro said the organization is paying forward the assistance the Conte family received during Daniela’s illness by helping other families now facing childhood cancer.
Remembering Rachel
Aimee Hinkis Antorino, an English teacher at Huntington High School and founder of Rachel’s Dance for the Cure, lost her 12-year-old daughter Rachel to acute myeloid leukemia in 2018. Antorino spoke about the need for greater investment in pediatric cancer research and the limited funding dedicated specifically to cancers affecting children.
“Pediatric cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded, forcing children and families to suffer,” Antorino said. “Our children deserve more.”
Antorino told those gathered that childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States and called for greater awareness, advocacy and research funding to give children better treatment options.
Rachel’s Dance for the Cure was created in Rachel’s memory to support families affected by pediatric cancer and fund research focused on acute myeloid leukemia.
Five Years Cancer-Free
Seven-year-old Ariella Kalmar attended with her parents, Dr. Garrett and Jessica Kalmar, and her big sister Emma. Ariella was born with neuroblastoma after concerns were first detected during Jessica’s high-risk pregnancy.
With care from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Northwell Health, Ariella came close to needing surgery and radiation, but her body ultimately fought the cancer without those treatments.
“We fought the good fight,” Garrett told Huntington Matters. “And now we’re doing very well, and you would have no idea. So we’re very fortunate and lucky.”
Today, Ariella is five years cancer-free, although doctors continue to monitor benign masses on both glands for recurrence. Her big sister Emma wore a shirt to the ceremony that read, “I went GOLD for my Sister – Childhood Cancer.”
Ariella was getting ready to start second grade and told Huntington Matters her favorite subject is art.
Stronger Together
Other childhood cancer survivors and families stood beneath the gold lights, including Belle Svoboda, who attended with her family wearing shirts bearing her own message: “I am Strong, I am Brave, I am Confident. I Love Me!” The back read, “Always Believe.”
Belle was diagnosed with Stage 3 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in her left calf in December 2021. After radiation and chemotherapy, her cancer returned in 2023, leading to a 17½-hour surgery that included removal of her left leg and rotationplasty.
Greg Grizopoulos and his wife, Judge Anna Acquafredda, attended with their three children, including their son Noah, a childhood cancer survivor.
The evening also honored the memory of Corey Phelan, who died from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His family created Corey’s Promise to carry forward a promise Corey made while spending so much time in the hospital. After seeing the hardships other families faced during their children’s cancer diagnoses, Corey wanted to help them financially so parents could focus more of their time on their child.
Awareness Creates Action
Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman spoke about the importance of advocating for children whose voices can otherwise go unheard.
“When you’re talking about children, the most vulnerable part of our community, individuals whose voice is unheard, typically unless somebody else is advocating for them, the hardship is that much greater,” Guthman said.
Deputy Supervisor John McCarron, speaking on behalf of Supervisor Ed Smyth, opened the ceremony. Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Councilwoman Mari and Guthman were among the Town officials in attendance.
“Every time someone drives past this tree and asks why they are gold, we have an opportunity to start a conversation, and that conversation creates awareness,” Conte said. “Awareness creates action. An action can create change.”
Following a community countdown, the tree was illuminated in gold and will remain lit throughout September.
How to Help
The Daniela Conte Foundation assists families facing childhood cancer and supports pediatric cancer research. Learn more or make a donation at DanielaConteFoundation.org.
Rachel’s Dance for the Cure supports families affected by pediatric cancer and funds research into acute myeloid leukemia. Learn more or donate at RachelsDanceForTheCure.org.
Corey’s Promise provides financial assistance to families facing a child’s cancer diagnosis so they can dedicate more time and attention to their child. Learn more or support the organization at CoreysPromise.org.
The gold tree and its ribbons will remain at Veterans Plaza throughout September, giving everyone who passes Town Hall an opportunity to see the names behind Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Photography and Videography by June Margolin.
