10Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
Talk about Brotherly love – this is heartbreaking and inspiring

Talk about Brotherly love – this is heartbreaking and inspiring

Events, Good Neighbor, News 
Family is always there for family. That's what we all like to think. And hope. The Cirrito family proves it to be true. Theirs is a story about love of family. Strength to do what's necessary. And courage to fight. The family - with six boys - lost their dad - their only caretaker - a few months ago. The youngest siblings -Santino just 12 and 13-year-old, Niko - needed to be cared for. So, their 20-year old twin brothers, Anthony and Angelo - who they are very close with - fought for custody. And won. Think about that for a second. Two 20-year-olds - caring for their younger brothers. Fighting for them - so they wouldn't be split up and sent to live in two different homes. They are…
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09Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
Love is in the air at the zoo and we can bear-ly stand it.

Love is in the air at the zoo and we can bear-ly stand it.

Events, News 
Ah - Luna and Sakari are going on a date. I know.  So cute.  The two polar bears will be doing what millions do on Valentine's Weekend - they'll be dating. I mean, as much as polar bears at the zoo can date. And you can check it all out. Saturday starting at 11 a.m., the zoo keepers will help set the mood with special valentines enrichment for both bears, which will include rose petals and heart shaped ice treats. The two bears have been together for a few weeks now and have been getting along wonderfully - in fact, they seem to have grown very fond of each other. Now, let's just say - it's time to take things to the next level! Sakari came from a zoo in…
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08Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
Looking to rescue a pet? How about Ashley!?

Looking to rescue a pet? How about Ashley!?

Good Neighbor, News 
This sweet cat is Ashley.  She's looking for a family to love her.  The 8-year-old stray was dropped off by a Good Samaritan just last week. The folks at the SPCA say Ashley is very affectionate, talkative and would love to find a lap to cuddle up on. You can adopt Ashley for $25. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccinations. If you are interested in bringing Ashley home, head over to the Niagara SPCA, 2100 Lockport Rd. Niagara Falls.  
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07Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
When heroes meet.

When heroes meet.

Good Neighbor, News 
Stella Usiak is one amazing little girl. The North Tonawnada/City of Tonawanda Swat Team members are pretty amazing, too. Get them together and it's like a hero-fest! Young Stella - who has been battling leukemia for years - saw the group and asked if she could pose for a picture with them. She thought they looked cool. The swat members - it turns out - think Stella is pretty cool, too The thing is - this wasn't just some little girl posing with a bunch of law enforcers.  Not by a long shot. You see, most of those swat members already knew who Stella was. They've personally assisted the North Tonawanda family with donations.  Heroes in and out of uniform.  Stella's mom, Jen - who was with her - told…
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07Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
‘Baby Shawn’ continues his brave battle with brain cancer

‘Baby Shawn’ continues his brave battle with brain cancer

Good Neighbor, News 
For Nicole Vathy, the past 18 months have been a nightmare. Her son, Shawn - who has become a celebrity in Niagara Falls - is fighting a rare form of brain cancer known as DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). Baby Shawn - as he's known in the community - is being treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Nicole and Baby Shawn just returned from a check-up at St. Jude's. The MRI showed the tumors are stable - which means Nicole can breathe a sigh of relief. She says it is the not knowing that is most difficult, "I feel good about the results, it's just so scary not knowing the outcome. Because there are no survivors with this tumor." That's right, sadly - DIPG has a zero percent survival…
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06Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
At the SPCA of Niagara – “The volunteers are everything.”

At the SPCA of Niagara – “The volunteers are everything.”

Good Neighbor, News 
We all know how important it is to give back in life. Whether it's money. Or time. Or both. For Terri McDonald-Gale, giving back, by helping adorable cats, turned out to be a win-win. You could say - it was a purr-fect opportunity. Terri has only been a volunteer at the SPCA of Niagara for a few months - but she says, it's changed her already, "I love my volunteer job and have just picked up an additional two hour shift!" Terri helps by cleaning liter boxes, socializing with the cats, and talking with potential adopters. She's not alone. In fact, Ilene Miklos is the Volunteer Coordinator for the shelter. She tells me they have about 125 volunteers and are always looking for more, "We could not survive without the volunteers. That's…
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01Feb 2017 by Mary Friona
Super-fan is headed to the Superbowl – to see football and Lady Gaga!

Super-fan is headed to the Superbowl – to see football and Lady Gaga!

Good Neighbor, News 
It is a big football weekend for sure! And if you think you're excited to watch from your favorite chair, couch, or corner bar stool - trust me when I tell you - it's nothing compared to how excited 20-year-old - Vinny Cicatello is. Vinny is in Houston for the Superbowl! It's a wish-come-true. Literally - and in more ways than one. Make-A-Wish WNY is sending him on his dream trip. A wish that has been in the works for six years. Six. Long. Years. The young man from Buffalo - has severe combined immune deficiency. He was born without an immune system and has had a bone marrow transplant to help keep him healthy. Weekly infusions are a must - and right now, we are happy to say that…
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