BY JOSH SHIFFMAN
SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS
RIVER VALE, N.J.—If you are a part of the Pascack Valley region, then there is a good chance you knew or have heard of Zack Latteri, a former Pascack Valley High School freshman whose contagious laugh and positive attitude filled the hearts of many.
Zack, who was diagnosed with leukemia at 10, beat the disease several times following transfusions, chemotherapy treatments, and hospital stays. But he ultimately lost his courageous battle with cancer in July 2015.
In the wake of his passing, his friends and family helped to create the Zack Latteri Foundation (ZLF), which works with the Hillsdale and River Vale communities to donate goods, raise money for those battling cancer or facing difficult struggles, and keep Zack’s memory going strong.
The ZLF has hosted yard sales and annual beefsteak dinners to raise money for the local fire departments, ambulance corps, and student scholarships. Student ambassadors at Pascack Valley High School work with this non-profit group to spread Zack’s message of paying it forward.
On Feb. 5, student ambassadors for the ZLF spoke to the freshman class at PVHS to educate the high school newcomers on Zack’s story. Through these sorts of assemblies, more and more individuals are touched by Zack’s legacy.
Ambassadors spoke about the goal of the Foundation and showed a touching video—produced by PV alumnus Casey Lewis —highlighting Zack’s personality through interviews with his mom Sharon and his friends.
The ambassadors also spoke of the Foundation’s care packages—called Zack Packs—given to kids battling cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Hackensack University Medical Center. The packs are filled with games, arts supplies, and comfy blankets, as it was Zack’s hope to make the stay of pediatric cancer patients more manageable.
With Zack Packs, the Foundation is able to perpetuate Zack’s memory and give back to those facing incredible struggles.
Relay for Life May 30
And if you are familiar with the Zack Latteri Foundation you have most likely heard about the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life fundraiser, which bolsters donations for cancer research.
Zack was an active participant in Relay For Life. His graduating class (PV Class of 2018) created a relay team in his honor.
This May 30, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life will be held at Pascack Valley High School. The day serves as a time to reflect on the devastating effects of cancer and how all of us, in some way, shape, or form, have been touched by the illness.
However, the day’s purpose is not solely to mourn those we have lost; instead, while reflecting on the horrible disease that is cancer, those in attendance socialize with community members, play games such as frisbee and Spikeball, eat delicious food from local vendors, and embrace all that the Zack Latteri Foundation embodies.
After dark, luminaria will be lit, each in remembrance of a life touched by cancer.
Because this year’s event is sports-themed, attendees are urged to wear their favorite team jersey or T-shirt. All are welcome.
To learn more about Relay, including how to participate as an individual or team, visit relayforlife.org/pascackvalleyNJ or write Sue Vaccaro at scvaccaro@verizon.net.
— Josh Shiffman is a PV ZLF Student Ambassador
