Dear Editor:

In a world where we are often bombarded with only bad news, where people feel as though no one cares, where so many say that everyone is "out for themselves," where bickering and quarreling seem to be the norm, let me share with you one moment that dispels all of this.

In November 2006 I became aware of an 18-month old girl named Mari Lena who resides in Greece. Suffering horribly from leukemia, she was in dire need of a bone marrow transplant.

On December 10, 2006 Reporter Ricardo Kaulessar did a story entitled, "Jersey City pizzeria owners raise $$ for sick niece with leukemia," which appeared in your paper. Thanks to Mr. Kaulessar's genuine concern, the story was printed, and people throughout our area generously responded with donations enabling Mari Lena to have the much-needed surgery.

I want to personally thank Mr. Kaulessar for this enormous act of compassion; he has helped to save a little girl's life.

I would also like to extend a special thanks to you, Ms. Lissner for allowing the story to appear in the Hudson Reporter. If it were not for you as well, the money would not have been raised enabling the surgery to be performed.

Lastly, I want to say a special thank you to my assistant "Debbie" who played such a vital role in this situation and was always so concerned about Mari Lena.

In a world where no one seems to care, I beg to differ, people do care and I can prove it to you; Mari Lena lives!

On behalf of the DeLuco Organization, we deeply appreciate the great job done by the Hudson Reporter. Without you and all the people who responded to the cause we couldn't have made this happen. Thank you all again.

Anthony DeLuco, President
DeLuco Organization