Our Lady of Perpetual Help is hosting a benefit Saturday to help an alumna whose children were born with a tragic genetic disease.
Lina Sereno grew up in Bensonhurst and attended school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the 1980s. Years later, her sons Salvatore and Giovanni were diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy a rare, incurable, and terminal disease that attacks the central nervous system.
Earlier this year, Sereno met Ronnie Dignam at a benefit for Dignam’s cousin, whose child also has the disease. As soon as they realized they had both graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help just two years apart, Dignam vowed to organize a benefit at their alma mater for Sereno’s family.
Dignam reached out to local businesses to gather donations to be auctioned at a Sept. 20 event in the school’s Notre Dame Hall. On offer will be wine baskets, gourmet food baskets, gift certificates from local businesses — even football tickets.
“The response has been great,” Dignam said.
The proceeds will go to help Lina and her husband Carmelo support their severely disabled sons, who require multiple medications, feeding tubes and round-the-clock care.
Lina said she is moved and grateful for the outpouring of support, and that the whole family is looking forward to the event.
“I’m so grateful for all the work Ronnie has done. She told me, ‘You just worry about your boys. I’ll handle this. All you have to do is show up.’ ”
Donations to the Sereno family can also be made online at serenowarriors.com.
Sereno Warriors Benefit at Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Notre Dame Hall, [526 59th St, in Bay Ridge between Fifth and Sixth avenues, (718) 492-9200]. Sept. 20, 3–7 pm. $40 adults, $20 children.
