This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The Cancer Ball: A Deeply Personal Cause for Holmdel Couple

James and Norma Tignanelli are the honorary co-Chairs of this year's Monmouth County Cancer Ball at the Fairway Farm estate in Middletown, June 11.

Norma and James Tignanelli said they were first surprised, then thrilled to have been named this year's co-chairs of the American Cancer Society's Monmouth County Cancer Ball, which will take place this Saturday at the “Fairway Farm” estate in Middletown. The "Roaring Twenties"-themed fundraiser sold out its 600 tickets in short order.

The Tignanellis have worked as volunteers and benefactors on behalf of the American Cancer Society for 15  years, raising awareness and considerable resources. For them, this unexpected honor is deeply, personally felt.

“Our work with the American Cancer Society was something we knew we wanted to do," said James. "It was necessary for us.”

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Norma Tignatelli is a cancer survivor, having battled the disease numerous times over the last fifteen years.  She's just completed her latest round of chemotherapy treatment and is doing well.

The Monmouth County Cancer Ball is the largest single-event cancer fundraiser in New Jersey and has raised $15 million since 2000, according to publicity chair Maura Abad Lowe. Though delighted to be honored, the Tignanellis prefer not to focus on themselves. They want to talk about the cause.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It's a great organization and we know that the money that's being raised is going for cancer research and really cutting edge treatments,” said James. “With everything that Norma's been through in the last fifteen years – more than fifteen -- you can see how much progress has been made in treatments, so that's really rewarding.”

“Knowing how much money that events like the Cancer Ball, in particular, raises and how much goes towards research and helping people has been really fantastic,” he said.

Norma adds, “The money that's raised also goes to help our local community. I think it's fabulous that we have so many different programs for people, some that I've actually used.”

Whether helping people find doctors for second opinions, transportation into and out of New York City, or programs for caregivers, the American Cancer Society serves as an important local clearinghouse of information, support, and networking.

“They can open doors to doctors that an individual can't,” says Norma. “They can put you in touch with others who've had successful treatments or are having the same issues.”

James is president of High Point Insurance of Red Bank, which has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the cancer society, he says. Through their partnership, his employees have received assistance from anti-smoking workshops to referrals for specialists in rare cancers.

The Tignanellis have lived in Holmdel since 1992 and have two grown sons, Christopher and Andrew.

"Christopher is a doctor. He decided to go into medicine after his mother was first diagnosed with cancer, when he was 12 or 13," said James.

"Our other son Andrew, at just 26, is a Sponsor this year," he said. "So, we're proud of both of them."

Over 120 of the Tignanellis family and friends are also attending, making their commitment to the cause a true family affair.

And what does Mrs. Tignanelli plan on wearing?

"A one-shouldered, royal blue gown," she says, one that subtlely shades as it sweeps to the floor.

As for a wish list, the answer is immediate.

“I wish the whole world was cancer-free,” said Norma.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?