Kerin Martucci has always given back to others — whether that be to her community, women in need and her friends. Now, as she battles an aggressive form of breast cancer, her mother, Joyce Steinert, hopes for one special surprise to lift her spirits: a message from Brooklyn-born comedian Adam Sandler for Martucci’s birthday on Aug. 4.
“If he could just do a phone call and say, ‘Happy Birthday Kerin,’ that would mean so much,” Steinert said. “It would be everything. She adores him.”
Martucci is a longtime Sandler fan. The mother and daughter love watching his films: “50 First Dates,” “Blended” and “Just Go With It,” to name a few. They have always provided them with laughter, and recently, comfort as she undergoes chemotherapy.
“He’s just absolutely a doll,” Steinert said. “It’s all Adam, you know?”
Martucci, who spent her career as a model for a national home shopping network, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April. Her first treatment was July 11. By July 15, she was hospitalized when her white blood cell count dropped dangerously low. She spent three days in the hospital and has been recovering at home since.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” her mother shared.
But, she said, Martucci’s story isn’t about her diagnosis. It’s about her dedication to empowering women in all aspects of life. In 2010, the pair co-authored and self-published “Never Underestimate the Power of Women.” The book tells the stories of various female entrepreneurs — notably including Mellody Hobson, co-president of Ariel Investments and the wife of “Star Wars” creator George Lucas.
Martucci also volunteers for organizations like Home of the Sparrow and Safe Harbor, styles charity fashion shows and hosts events. One farm-hosted show she produced drew news coverage and a feature in Philadelphia Magazine.
“She’s always giving up her time,” Steinert said. “She even has the most beautiful vintage closet — you should see it.”
But this year has been especially heavy for the family. Steinert lost her sister to breast cancer in 2024. Then in March, her brother was diagnosed. Martucci received her own diagnosis in April.
Still, the family is pushing forward, heralded by kindness and community support. A neighbor started a GoFundMe for them, which has raised over $6,000 to help cover mortgage payments and treatment costs — critical help, since Martucci has been unable to work since April.
With her mission for a birthday message from Sandler, Steinert just wants to help spread the word for her daughter’s sake.
“We’ve stayed with him his whole carer,” she said. “Wouldn’t it be something if a fellow New Yorker reached out?”
Martucci’s mother hopes she can pull off the surprise of a lifetime. And if it works, if Adam Sandler calls, even just to say hello — it would mean everything, she said.
“[Kerin] is such a good person, she really is,” her mother said. “To surprise her — wouldn’t that be great?”
