Our Mission
The Johnny Sileno Wishes for Wellness Foundation is proud to share its simple mission; to help families who are dealing with childhood cancer. We are a registered 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that is here to offer financial and/or emotional support to families living in the Hudson Valley who are enduring the struggles associated with cancer treatment.
The Johnny Sileno Wishes for Wellness Foundation was founded to honor the memory of our son who lived a loving life, although a short one, due to a brain tumor called Ependymoma. Johnny fought this brain tumor three times with multiple surgeries and rounds of radiation at Montefiore Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He is remembered for his love, his resilience, and most of all his laughter. At one point, even with two active insurance policies, his life saving treatment was being denied. Our family and friends responded immediately with donations at a "Wishes for Wellness" fundraiser. That generosity is now being used to pay it forward. Our hope is that with each act of kindness done in our boy's name, his memory lives on.
John Christopher Sileno
July 3, 2004 - July 4, 2010
Donation Tracker
Events
Our "Annual Sock Drive" was started in 2012, shortly after Johnny passed away. Johnny attended Kindergarten at Meadow Hill School in Newburgh, NY. Johnny's grandmother, Kathleen Martel Sileno, reached out to the school nurse, Rose Inman, to find out where a donation to the school in honor of Johnny would be helpful. The first year, we donated jump ropes, and this began the Jump for Johnny tradition for a run of several years. The following year, her response was, "Socks." Our first year, shown in the photo, we collected hundreds of socks for Meadow Hill. Since that time, the donations have grown to socks, underclothing, and sweatpants and have numbered in the thousands and now reach several schools in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. 2024 marks our twelfth year of stocking nurses' closets in the NECSD. Pictured below: 2012 and 2024.
"Change for Children" is sponsored by the Meadow Hill School PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to bring in loose change, even just one quarter, and wear the color gold to raise awareness. The Johnny Sileno Wishes for Wellness Foundation is so grateful to be the recipient of the funds and pay them forward to cancer afflicted families. Thank you Scott and Poni Prokosch and the entire Meadow Hill family.
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"Pink Day" in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District is an annual event that brings awareness to the growing number of members in our school community who have been affected by cancer. Each October, at a home game on Academy Field at Newburgh Free Academy, school members walk in honor of faculty, staff, and students lost to the disease. In 2023, The Johnny Sileno Wishes for Wellness Foundation was honored to be the recipient of monies raised from T-shirt sales. Thank you to Jonelle Formato -Santos and fellow organizers, to the local business, Personalize It, and all members in support.
"Jump for Johnny" was a tradition at Meadow Hill School, where Johnny attended Kindergarten, held from 2012 - 2020. Each February, Johnny was remembered during the school's Heart Awareness Campaign. Coaches, teachers, and classmates honored him by hosting a fun filled, jumping extravaganza, paying homage to his big heart. Thank you to everyone who organizds, everyone who participated, and everyone who kept Johnny close to their heart.
"Iron Order Charity Run" was a fall event sponsored by the Orange County Chapter of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club. John Sileno and fellow members organized and hosted motorcycle enthusiasts for a scenic ride through the Hudson Valley, followed by food, drinks, raffles, and camaraderie, all while raising money for the Johnny Sileno Wishes for Wellness Foundation. We are so grateful. Picture below is from 2018.
Contact Us
If you, or someone you know, is in the battle against a childhood cancer of any kind, and you would like more information about the help The Johnny Sileno Wishes for Wellness Foundation may be able to offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.
John and Jennine Sileno
15 Disano Drive
Newburgh, NY 12550
Home landline to leave a message: (845) 566 - 9256
After initial contact, and verification of diagnosis, we strive to meet immediate needs for the family. In addition to advocacy, networking, and support, we have offered assistance with household bills, equipment, transportation costs, and final expenses.