Celebration of Life Fund-raiser for ECMC’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU)

Twenty years ago, a victim of a “hit and run” driver while bicycling, Mike Billoni survived a near-fatal accident on September 17, 1992. His life was saved in ECMC’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit. Mike and Debbie Billoni are hosting this event in recognition of ECMC’s life-saving services.

On Monday, September 17, 2012, Mike and Debbie Billoni will host a Celebration of Lifefund-raiser for the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU). The event will take place from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Patriots and Heroes Park in front of Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, at 6675 Transit Road, Williamsville, New York, 14221.

“Twenty years ago, a car hit my bike from behind and I flew into the windshield and shattered it,” said Michael J. Billoni, ECMC Trauma Patient, and Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Food Bank of Western New York. “When I got to ECMC, I went through 17 hours of trauma surgery. I learned that ECMC is an amazing place with a staff of incredibly caring, highly skilled doctors, nurses, and therapists. My surgeon, Dr. John LaDuca, performed miracles and constantly encouraged me. I received great care at the medical center for 44 days.”

Dr. John LaDuca is the Honorary Chairman of this Celebration of Life event.

Refreshments for the event will be donated by Russell J. Salvatore of Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More; Picasso’s Pizza; Charlie the Butcher; Charlie Ciotta and Wardynski's & Sons, Inc.; Try-it Distributing Premier Wines & Spirits; and Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Buffalo.

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Jickster of 97 Rock and Richie Derwald. Sound will be provided by AVAdvantage. Admission to this event is free, but donations to the ECMC TICU are encouraged. If unable to attend, donations may be made payable and sent to: ECMC Lifeline Foundation – “”Celebration,” 462 Grider Street, Suite G-1, Buffalo, NY 14215 or ecmclifeline.org. Attendees are asked to RSVP to 898-5800 or sgonzalez@ecmc.edu.

ABOUT ERIE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER: The ECMC Corporation includes an advanced academic medical center (ECMC) with 550 inpatient beds and 136 skilled-nursing-home beds, on- and off-campus health centers, more than 30 outpatient specialty care clinics and a long-term care facility. ECMC is the regional center for trauma, burn care, transplantation and rehabilitation and is a major teaching facility for the University at Buffalo. Most ECMC physicians, dentists and pharmacists are dedicated faculty members of the university and/or members of a private practice plan. More Western New York residents are choosing ECMC for exceptional patient care and patient experiences—the difference between healthcare and true care.

ABOUT THE ECMC LIFELINE FOUNDATION: The ECMC Lifeline Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that helps obtain the resources necessary to support the lifesaving medical services of ECMC, which is also a leading center for rehabilitation, transplantation, orthopaedic care, and many other medical specialties.