Who We Are |

Allie Colon

Board Member

Allie Lehman-Colon was a long time resident of New York. After Allie beat breast cancer in 2016! She realized she got a second chance at life and decided to live life to the fullest. She and her husband moved to the Sunshine State where they were blessed with their miracle baby, Jordyn Whitney. Yes- named after Allyson Whitney. Allie brings to the foundation her skill and presence on social media.

Allie always blogged about her journey and loved helping others that were going through something similar. That’s what inspired her to volunteer for the Allyson Whitney Foundation and help with her dream of helping others.

Catherine Paty

Board Member

Cathy Paty is a remarkable woman with great passion for the things she truly cares about in this life. Born and raised in the quaint mountain town of Bethel in upstate New York, she bravely chased her goals and relocated to the charming to South Carolina where she continues to awe and inspire others with her amazing musical and vocal talents. Her love for her family runs deep, and she is a fantastic mother to her spicy 14 year old Lila Claire and loving partner to Michael. She is an animal lover and long time supporter of AWF.

Formerly the President and CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, her friendly demeanor has served her well as she charms her way through people’s heart and souls. She hopes her experience can bring positive support to this organization, which is near and dear to her heart.

Barbara Rustic

Board Member

Barbara Strong

Chief Executive Officer

Barbara holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, along with a certification in Students with Disabilities. She enjoyed her career for many years as an educator in the Catskills in upstate New York. She is now ‘living life’ in beautiful Fort Myers, Florida. Barbara previously started her professional career as an entrepreneur. Her success in business in event planning and merchandise sales, as well as her organizational skills, enhances the foundation’s efforts in meeting and exceeding their fundraising goals.

Katrina Wolenski

Board Member

Katrina is a long-time resident of Sullivan County. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from St. John’s University, graduating Cum Laude. With her vast professional background, she has experience in management, marketing, event planning, hospitality and more. She currently works as Director of Member Experience at the exclusive Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York.

She is inspired to volunteer for the Allyson Whitney Foundation after the organization helped a good friend, Jazmine, who was afftected by cancer at age 25. Katrina’s work with the foundation and the direct affect it has on young adults with rare cancers is what motivates and drives her passion to help others every day; in Jazmine’s honor.

Melissa DiCostanzo

Board Member

Melissa DiCostanzo was born and raised in Sullivan County. She went to Monticello High School and received her BSN through SUNY Delhi. She currently works as a PACU RN, but has specialized in Critical Care and Pediatrics. She has seen first hand the devastation that cancer can cause to both the patient as well as the patient’s support system.

Melissa became an active member of the foundation after her dear friend Jazmine became a grant recipient during her battle against pancreatic cancer. She is passionate about giving back to others in memory of Jazmine and hopes to help the Allyson Whitney Foundation accomplish a goal of reaching an international audience.

Melissa is an avid runner and athlete and she assists in our endurance race fundraisers.

Past Board Members

We thank them for their help

We couldn’t have done what we have without the help of our founding members and past board members. We thank each of them for their time and dedication to the organization.

* Gabrielle Scott
* Ashley Morse
* Barri Glick
* Lucia De Gregorio

Paul and Sheryl Manz

Accounting & 5k Volunteer Coordinator

Mai Fox

Graphic Designer

Kara Tloczkowski – Musci

In-Kind Donation Coordinator

Katy Strong-Sforza

Co-Founder

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Team Queens Girls

Ambassadors

Assunta, Melany, and Victoria

Who We Are

Allie Colon

Catherine Paty

Barbara Rustic

Barbara Strong

Katrina Wolenski

Melissa DiCostanzo

Past Board Members

Paul and Sheryl Manz

Mai Fox

Kara Tloczkowski – Musci

Katy Strong-Sforza

Become an Ambassador

Team Queens Girls

Kim and Sarah Vogl

Angela Rein

The Allyson Whitney Foundation is committed and passionate; Banded together entirely of volunteers, including our Board of Directors and Team, to give hope and light to young adult cancer patients.