Board Members
Michelle Schulze - Founder, President
Colorado Springs, CO
[email protected]
Michelle is originally from Pittston Township, PA and graduated from Misericordia University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Physical Therapy. She is currently employed as a physical therapist in Colorado Springs, CO. Michelle and her husband, Chris, were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on January 2, 2008. After 10 months of misdiagnosis, their son, Liam was finally diagnosed with HLH on March 26, 2009. (see Liam's story). After Liam's passing in September 2009, Michelle continued to come across other parents with children affected by HLH who also were initially misdiagnosed of this deadly disease, some resulting in their child's death as well. Michelle also continued to research HLH and soon found that it has been diagnosed since the 1950's. She felt it unacceptable physicians are still misdiagnosing the clinical signs and symptoms of HLH even though there has been more and more focus on it since then as well as the formation of The Histiocytie Society in 1985.
Michelle founded LLF in order to continue the fight her son no longer could against HLH. Statistics are showing the incidence of HLH has increased over the past few years due to progress in research and better detection. Michelle is dedicated to raising awareness of Histiocytic disorders, supporting families affected by these diseases, and funding much needed research for safer more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. She will do this in her son's name and honor of his fight against HLH.
"There are days when my mind wanders back to those sleepless days of pure FEAR living in the hospital and they will be engraved in my mind forever. Life continues to challenge me each and every day, but starting his foundation is one of the best things I have ever done. Liam has taught me so much. He has taught me to fight for what I believe in, not to give up even when things seem impossible, and what love truly feels like. The love for a child cannot be compared to any other. He has taught me that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. I am just a mom who lost her child to a horrible disease and is trying to make a difference in the world of Histiocytosis. There is power in numbers and in numbers we can make a difference."
Colorado Springs, CO
[email protected]
Michelle is originally from Pittston Township, PA and graduated from Misericordia University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Physical Therapy. She is currently employed as a physical therapist in Colorado Springs, CO. Michelle and her husband, Chris, were blessed with a beautiful baby boy on January 2, 2008. After 10 months of misdiagnosis, their son, Liam was finally diagnosed with HLH on March 26, 2009. (see Liam's story). After Liam's passing in September 2009, Michelle continued to come across other parents with children affected by HLH who also were initially misdiagnosed of this deadly disease, some resulting in their child's death as well. Michelle also continued to research HLH and soon found that it has been diagnosed since the 1950's. She felt it unacceptable physicians are still misdiagnosing the clinical signs and symptoms of HLH even though there has been more and more focus on it since then as well as the formation of The Histiocytie Society in 1985.
Michelle founded LLF in order to continue the fight her son no longer could against HLH. Statistics are showing the incidence of HLH has increased over the past few years due to progress in research and better detection. Michelle is dedicated to raising awareness of Histiocytic disorders, supporting families affected by these diseases, and funding much needed research for safer more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. She will do this in her son's name and honor of his fight against HLH.
"There are days when my mind wanders back to those sleepless days of pure FEAR living in the hospital and they will be engraved in my mind forever. Life continues to challenge me each and every day, but starting his foundation is one of the best things I have ever done. Liam has taught me so much. He has taught me to fight for what I believe in, not to give up even when things seem impossible, and what love truly feels like. The love for a child cannot be compared to any other. He has taught me that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. I am just a mom who lost her child to a horrible disease and is trying to make a difference in the world of Histiocytosis. There is power in numbers and in numbers we can make a difference."
Rose Ann Podminick - Treasurer
Colorado Springs, CO
[email protected]
Rose Ann lives in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband, Frank. She is the proud mother of Chris Slezak and Michelle Schulze(Liam's mommy). She is also the very proud grandmother to Juliana and Liam. She graduated from Wilkes University in 1972 with a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education. She was an educator for 35 years in Pittston, PA. Upon retirement in June, 2007, she moved from Shavertown, PA to Colorado Springs, CO to be near her daughter, Michelle, and to take care of and enjoy her future grandson, Liam. When Liam became ill, she traveled to Cincinnati with her daughter to help with his care. She remained there for 6 months until he could fight no longer. "I left part of my heart and soul in Cincinnati when Liam passed and will passionately fight for the rest of my life to increase awareness of this horrific disease."
Colorado Springs, CO
[email protected]
Rose Ann lives in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband, Frank. She is the proud mother of Chris Slezak and Michelle Schulze(Liam's mommy). She is also the very proud grandmother to Juliana and Liam. She graduated from Wilkes University in 1972 with a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education. She was an educator for 35 years in Pittston, PA. Upon retirement in June, 2007, she moved from Shavertown, PA to Colorado Springs, CO to be near her daughter, Michelle, and to take care of and enjoy her future grandson, Liam. When Liam became ill, she traveled to Cincinnati with her daughter to help with his care. She remained there for 6 months until he could fight no longer. "I left part of my heart and soul in Cincinnati when Liam passed and will passionately fight for the rest of my life to increase awareness of this horrific disease."
Chris Slezak - Activities Coordinator, Fundraising
Chair of Liam's Lighthouse Foundation Annual Golf Tournament
Dalton, PA
Chair of Liam's Lighthouse Foundation Annual Golf Tournament
Dalton, PA
Rochelle Wilkinson - Activities Coordinator, Fundraising
Phoenix, MD
[email protected]
Rochelle is married and the mother of 4 boys from ages 5 to 20. She owns and operates her own cleaning business for the past 20 years. Rochelle came across Liam's story when a friend of hers asked her to attend a bone marrow drive in honor of a baby girl affected by a "rare" disease, HLH. When she missed this drive, she went to DKMS's website and saw Liam's picture and that a bone marrow donor was needed to try and save his life because he didn't have a match. Surprised at the fact that Liam too had this "rare" disease known as HLH, she became dedicated to helping raise awareness and support for Liam and his family. Rochelle became attached to Liam immediately. She started to follow his CarePage and help spread the word whenever possible. She continued to advocate for Liam and his family by having fundraisers to help his family with medical expenses. Upon Liam's passing, she became devestated and her family could sense this. Her husband wrote her the only "note" he has ever written her telling her how sorry he was and he knew she loved Liam. Her husband came home one day and handed her an envelope with a plane ticket in it to Colorado for Liam's memorial service. He said he knew she had to go. Rochelle went to Liam's service with another person who was as deeply affected by Liam, April Zambetti. "I can't explain it, and I don't need to. My real friends know who Liam is, my kids know who LIam is, and his picture is in my living room with my other boys. Yes, he is "one of my boys". Rochelle did not know Michelle and her family before meeting Liam and now, she is one of her closest and dearest friends.
Phoenix, MD
[email protected]
Rochelle is married and the mother of 4 boys from ages 5 to 20. She owns and operates her own cleaning business for the past 20 years. Rochelle came across Liam's story when a friend of hers asked her to attend a bone marrow drive in honor of a baby girl affected by a "rare" disease, HLH. When she missed this drive, she went to DKMS's website and saw Liam's picture and that a bone marrow donor was needed to try and save his life because he didn't have a match. Surprised at the fact that Liam too had this "rare" disease known as HLH, she became dedicated to helping raise awareness and support for Liam and his family. Rochelle became attached to Liam immediately. She started to follow his CarePage and help spread the word whenever possible. She continued to advocate for Liam and his family by having fundraisers to help his family with medical expenses. Upon Liam's passing, she became devestated and her family could sense this. Her husband wrote her the only "note" he has ever written her telling her how sorry he was and he knew she loved Liam. Her husband came home one day and handed her an envelope with a plane ticket in it to Colorado for Liam's memorial service. He said he knew she had to go. Rochelle went to Liam's service with another person who was as deeply affected by Liam, April Zambetti. "I can't explain it, and I don't need to. My real friends know who Liam is, my kids know who LIam is, and his picture is in my living room with my other boys. Yes, he is "one of my boys". Rochelle did not know Michelle and her family before meeting Liam and now, she is one of her closest and dearest friends.
April Zambetti - Community Liason
Old Forge, PA
[email protected]
April is married and the mother of 2 children ages 9 and 3. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 1999. She is employed by Lilly USA as a pharmaceutical rep. and is also pursuing her RN degree. April came across Liam's story and feels he came into her life for a very special reason, although she has never met him. April and Michelle are from the same area, but had not known each other until Liam's story. Prior to Liam's passing, April signed up for Hike For A Cure at Yosemite. She was dedicated to raising money for a cause she felt strongly about because of a brave little boy she had never met was fighting for his life. April joined Michelle and Chris in the hike only 2 weeks after Liam's passing. This is where an amazing friendship began. April accompanied Rochelle out to Colorado for Liam's memorial service and has since been dedicated to his cause. "I wish Liam didn't leave when he did. Somedays, the grief, anger, and sadness is so overwhelming it just washes up and takes my breath away. Other times, I swear I can feel him around me. I'm still trying to figure out what this journey is all about, but I'm thankful that this unbelievable soul chose to bring me on his journey with him." April and Michelle have a friendship that can only be explained through a common love of a little boy named Liam.
Old Forge, PA
[email protected]
April is married and the mother of 2 children ages 9 and 3. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 1999. She is employed by Lilly USA as a pharmaceutical rep. and is also pursuing her RN degree. April came across Liam's story and feels he came into her life for a very special reason, although she has never met him. April and Michelle are from the same area, but had not known each other until Liam's story. Prior to Liam's passing, April signed up for Hike For A Cure at Yosemite. She was dedicated to raising money for a cause she felt strongly about because of a brave little boy she had never met was fighting for his life. April joined Michelle and Chris in the hike only 2 weeks after Liam's passing. This is where an amazing friendship began. April accompanied Rochelle out to Colorado for Liam's memorial service and has since been dedicated to his cause. "I wish Liam didn't leave when he did. Somedays, the grief, anger, and sadness is so overwhelming it just washes up and takes my breath away. Other times, I swear I can feel him around me. I'm still trying to figure out what this journey is all about, but I'm thankful that this unbelievable soul chose to bring me on his journey with him." April and Michelle have a friendship that can only be explained through a common love of a little boy named Liam.
Carla Ferrara - Public Relations, Fundraising, Educational Awareness
West Pittston, PA
[email protected]
West Pittston, PA
[email protected]
Jennifer Mercereau- Community Liason
Greentown, PA
[email protected]
Jennifer is married and the mom of 2 children ages 5 and 7. She attended college out of high school, but was involved in a bad car accident toward the end of her first year. After rehabilitation, she finished college at Penn State University with a degree in Liberal Arts with concentration in family studies. Jennifer began following Liam's journey after she was asked to go to his bone marrow drive in Pittston, PA by a mutual friend. Once she saw Liam's picture, she drawn to him. She wanted more than anything to be his match. "I was no longer scared but rather eager to see him get well. I feel extreme happiness being a part of his foundation. Not happiness over the reason for all of this, but joy that I am hopefully contributing to the end of this dreaded disease. There is never a day that Liam doesn't cross my mind. He is magical and he has made me appreciate so many aspects of my life that I may have let get lost somewhere. He is a part of our lives".
Greentown, PA
[email protected]
Jennifer is married and the mom of 2 children ages 5 and 7. She attended college out of high school, but was involved in a bad car accident toward the end of her first year. After rehabilitation, she finished college at Penn State University with a degree in Liberal Arts with concentration in family studies. Jennifer began following Liam's journey after she was asked to go to his bone marrow drive in Pittston, PA by a mutual friend. Once she saw Liam's picture, she drawn to him. She wanted more than anything to be his match. "I was no longer scared but rather eager to see him get well. I feel extreme happiness being a part of his foundation. Not happiness over the reason for all of this, but joy that I am hopefully contributing to the end of this dreaded disease. There is never a day that Liam doesn't cross my mind. He is magical and he has made me appreciate so many aspects of my life that I may have let get lost somewhere. He is a part of our lives".
Amanda Majusiak- Web Developer & Social Media Outreach Coordinator
Mullica Hill, New Jersey
[email protected]
Amanda is married to HLH Survivor Eric Majusiak. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Geography with Concentrations in Planning, GIS & Cartography and Geosciences. She currently works for URS on a contract supporting FEMA's Flood Map Program. She came across the Liam's Lighthouse Website just after her husband Eric was diagnosed. "Michelle 's organization opened our minds to all the possibilities out there for increasing awareness for HLH, but most importantly - We didn't feel alone anymore." The experiences with Liam's Lighthouse's first ever 5k To Fight Histio in NYC in 2013 left a mark on their hearts and their love for Liam, his courageous battle and this cause grew stronger. "We are forever dedicated to raising awareness for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. "
Mullica Hill, New Jersey
[email protected]
Amanda is married to HLH Survivor Eric Majusiak. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Geography with Concentrations in Planning, GIS & Cartography and Geosciences. She currently works for URS on a contract supporting FEMA's Flood Map Program. She came across the Liam's Lighthouse Website just after her husband Eric was diagnosed. "Michelle 's organization opened our minds to all the possibilities out there for increasing awareness for HLH, but most importantly - We didn't feel alone anymore." The experiences with Liam's Lighthouse's first ever 5k To Fight Histio in NYC in 2013 left a mark on their hearts and their love for Liam, his courageous battle and this cause grew stronger. "We are forever dedicated to raising awareness for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. "
Dedicated Volunteers
Kelly Fantasia- Community Liason
Roseland, NJ
[email protected]
Kelly is married with 2 children ages 3 and 7. She graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. She is employed by Grant Thornton in Human Resourses in New York and New Jersey for the past 5 years. Kelly's youngest child was 10 weeks premature. They went through many, many visits back and forth to the hospital within his first year of life. "There were times when people didn't know what was wrong with him and he was continually misdiagnosed. Watching your child being poked and proded is awful enough. When a doctor doesn't have an answer, that makes it so much more horrible." Fortunately, her and her family got through that difficult time in their lives. "I am dedicated to raise funds and bring awareness to this disease. Liam will always have a place in my heart!"
Roseland, NJ
[email protected]
Kelly is married with 2 children ages 3 and 7. She graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. She is employed by Grant Thornton in Human Resourses in New York and New Jersey for the past 5 years. Kelly's youngest child was 10 weeks premature. They went through many, many visits back and forth to the hospital within his first year of life. "There were times when people didn't know what was wrong with him and he was continually misdiagnosed. Watching your child being poked and proded is awful enough. When a doctor doesn't have an answer, that makes it so much more horrible." Fortunately, her and her family got through that difficult time in their lives. "I am dedicated to raise funds and bring awareness to this disease. Liam will always have a place in my heart!"
Megan Towne-Community Liason
Chandler, AZ
[email protected]
Megan is married and has 3 children ages 3 to 7. She received her Bachelors degree (1995) and a Masters degree (1997) in Materials Science & Engineering from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. Megan originally moved to Phoenix, AZ from Bear Creek, PA to work for AlliedSignal Aerospace. She has been employed with them, now Honeywell Aerospace, for 14 years. She is currently an IT Project Manager and travels the world deploying SAP, Honeywell's ERP system for its Aerospace business.Megan fell in love with Liam right after he was first diagnosed with HLH. His aunt is a childhood friend of hers and had placed a prayer and support request on Facebook. Since then, she has not walked away. HLH awareness and fundraising is now her mission and her cause. Megan states, "I have met SO MANY amazing women and children. How could I ever walk away?"
Chandler, AZ
[email protected]
Megan is married and has 3 children ages 3 to 7. She received her Bachelors degree (1995) and a Masters degree (1997) in Materials Science & Engineering from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. Megan originally moved to Phoenix, AZ from Bear Creek, PA to work for AlliedSignal Aerospace. She has been employed with them, now Honeywell Aerospace, for 14 years. She is currently an IT Project Manager and travels the world deploying SAP, Honeywell's ERP system for its Aerospace business.Megan fell in love with Liam right after he was first diagnosed with HLH. His aunt is a childhood friend of hers and had placed a prayer and support request on Facebook. Since then, she has not walked away. HLH awareness and fundraising is now her mission and her cause. Megan states, "I have met SO MANY amazing women and children. How could I ever walk away?"
Gina Maldonado-Rodek Community Liason
East Brunswick, NJ
[email protected]
Gina is married with two children ages 18 months and 3. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from NYU and an MBA in International Business from Rutgers University. She is also a CPA and currently works for Grant Thornton International in their Regulatory Matters group.
She came across Liam's story one morning getting ready for work when she saw Rochelle, Jennifer and April on the Plaza of the Today Show. "I was in such a rush (as usual) that I just caught the phrase "a fatal disease that primarily affects infants and toddlers" and the name of the foundation. I had an infant and a toddler at home, so of course I wanted to know what they were talking about. When I got to work that morning, I went onto Liam’s Lighthouse Foundation, read Liam's story, and watched the video made by Michelle. I sat in my office and cried for three hours, no exaggeration. It was at this point I became obsessed with Liam and his story. It is all I would talk about. I would email people, talk to them and tell them Liam's story; anything to get them involved. I was on a crusade for this little boy, who I had never met, but felt such a connection to and knew he would be a part of my life forever. Here I am today, a part of the foundation working to spread awareness of HLH. I am going to spare everyone the countless tears I shed thinking about Liam and his family, and just say that Liam will always be an inspiration to me and I am dedicated to his foundation and its cause, and I am honored to work with everyone that is a part of it".
East Brunswick, NJ
[email protected]
Gina is married with two children ages 18 months and 3. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from NYU and an MBA in International Business from Rutgers University. She is also a CPA and currently works for Grant Thornton International in their Regulatory Matters group.
She came across Liam's story one morning getting ready for work when she saw Rochelle, Jennifer and April on the Plaza of the Today Show. "I was in such a rush (as usual) that I just caught the phrase "a fatal disease that primarily affects infants and toddlers" and the name of the foundation. I had an infant and a toddler at home, so of course I wanted to know what they were talking about. When I got to work that morning, I went onto Liam’s Lighthouse Foundation, read Liam's story, and watched the video made by Michelle. I sat in my office and cried for three hours, no exaggeration. It was at this point I became obsessed with Liam and his story. It is all I would talk about. I would email people, talk to them and tell them Liam's story; anything to get them involved. I was on a crusade for this little boy, who I had never met, but felt such a connection to and knew he would be a part of my life forever. Here I am today, a part of the foundation working to spread awareness of HLH. I am going to spare everyone the countless tears I shed thinking about Liam and his family, and just say that Liam will always be an inspiration to me and I am dedicated to his foundation and its cause, and I am honored to work with everyone that is a part of it".
