The Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation will host its annual The Event fundraiser to help those navigating cancer
By Mary Malik
The ability for someone undergoing cancer treatment and their family to focus solely on the care and healing of that patient is what the Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation is all about. The Comunale family understands the struggles other families experience when navigating a cancer diagnosis, because they have seen it firsthand. Recently, Steve Comunale Sr., foundation chairman, his sister Monica Comunale Stevens, executive director, and several board members gathered to talk about the mission of their foundation, their biennial fundraiser coming up in September, and the people who inspired it all.
The Family
Stephen Comunale Jr., a horse enthusiast, skilled pool player, businessman and dear friend to so many, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2005. After a brief and courageous battle, Stephen passed away in 2006.
“Still trying to process Stephen’s death, our family was struck another blow with the cancer diagnosis and death of my sister, Amy Comunale Klein, in 2007. In 2009 cancer took my brother-in-law, Terry Deane. In 2021 within weeks of each other, I lost my brother in law, Jeff Klein and Dee Dee Andreoli, wife of founding member Rennick.
Lifelong Akron residents, the Comunales chose to turn their tremendous grief into something hopeful for families in this community who struggle with the day-to-day financial realities of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“When you go through something like this, you see that not everyone has even the basics they need to get through this journey,” Monica says. “We’re working to change that.”
The Foundation
One month after Stephen’s death, a small group of family and friends formed the Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation to provide financial support to cancer patients and their families. Partnering with local hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Summa Health, social workers and community members, the foundation’s grants and outreach programs help ease the burdens a cancer diagnosis brings.
“We made a very conscious decision to focus not on research but provide gap funding for families struggling to pay for things like utility bills, groceries, childcare, rent and even gasoline or a bus pass to get to their treatments,” Steve says. “This journey is difficult enough without having to worry about basic needs.”
Rennick Andreoli, a lifelong Comunale family friend, was a founding trustee of the foundation.
“I have been honored to be a part of the Comunale family’s mission since the beginning,” Rennick says. “I lost my wife, Dee, to cancer in 2021. Cancer touches everyone and every story is different. So much focus goes into trying to save your loved one that any financial pressures are overwhelming. And that stress can negatively affect treatment outcomes.”
The Comunale Foundation held its first fundraiser in 2006, raising $25,000. In 2021 it raised $1.5 million.
“Financial assistance grants are awarded twice each week and usually within 48 hours of receiving the request,” Monica says.
The Foundation also partners with local non-profit organizations and sponsors summer horse camps, art therapy programs, free mammogram screenings at Summa Health locations, free holiday meals and more. Jane’s Sunshine Fund program honors Jane Comunale and provides things like movie tickets, birthday parties and gift cards, putting smiles on the faces of families at a difficult time.
“We are a small cancer foundation doing big things,” Rennick says.
The Event
The first Stephen A. Comunale Family Cancer Foundation biennial fundraiser, The Event, was orchestrated by Jane Comunale with a specific experience in mind.
“Jane wanted The Event to be unique and spectacular,” Steve says. “She wanted to host a great party for this community to enjoy a fabulous evening of food, entertainment and raise money to support those touched by cancer living or receiving treatment in Summit County.”
The Event is held at the Comunale family home and in the past has included music from entertainers like Juice Newton, The Pointer Sisters, The Spinners Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and others.
“There’s a theme like ‘70s, ‘Vegas,’ ‘Rock & Roll,’ and everyone dresses accordingly,” Steve says. “We are not your normal buy-a-table, get-a-dinner type of fundraiser. Let’s instead eat fabulous food, dance to a terrific band and bid on some amazing auction items. That was Jane’s vision and we’ve stuck to it ever since.”
The Comunales are not unlike most families who experience highs and lows, joy and grief. And through all those emotions, they work together and persevere to honor those lost and support those left behind.
• When: Saturday, September 30
• Where: The Comunale home in Akron
• Theme: Broadway Nights
• Entertainment: “The Midtown Men” - The original Jersey Boys
• Food: Beau’s Grille
To purchase tickets to The Event, visit StephenComunale.org.
Valet parking is available.
For more information about the Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, to apply for a grant and to purchase tickets to The Event, visit StephenComunale.org.