Nina Poeta's family leads way in bittersweet Seymour Christmas parade

Youths from Seymour Pink march in the Seymour Christmas Parade Sunday. Kate Ramunni -- New Haven Register

By Kate Ramunni, New Haven Register

SEYMOUR >> Nina Poeta was smiling down on Seymour Sunday as the town dedicated its annual Christmas parade to the teen who died Nov. 1 of cancer.

“I’m sure she is up there watching us and is really happy to see the community come together again because of her,” said Deidre McManus, who said her boyfriend’s family is close friends with the Poeta family. McManus was one of the hundreds of people who lined the streets in downtown Seymour Sunday for the town’s annual Christmas celebration.

A year ago, Nina was diagnosed with a brain tumor that doctors determined could not be removed. The town rallied around the teen and her family, raising almost $100,000 to go toward their expenses.

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Benefit events planned to help family of Nina Poeta

This message is from Elizabeth Pisano, family friend of the Poeta family of Seymour, who recently lost their daughter, Nina, to an inoperable brain tumor:

With thousands of people who attended the services for Nina, the Poeta Family said goodbye, for now, to their precious angel. The pain they are feeling is profound and will be with them forever. We, as a community, are feeling helpless trying to find a way to show our love and support for John, Dorie, & Cara. Please join Poeta Strong in continuing the mission to help the family as much as we can. Our efforts will be redirected as their needs change and right now we think they need our comfort and our help with the expenses of the past year. Sunday, the 16th is "A Day of Healing" at Phoenix Yoga; tickets are available for the "Benefit Dinner for the Poeta Family" on November 21st; Apparel and bracelets will continue to be available to honor Nina. The Seymour High School Cheerleaders are hosting a dance, "Bring It On For Nina" on November 28th for the Cheer Family throughout the state. If you would like more information on any events or to donate a raffle or auction item for the Benefit Dinner, please call Elizabeth Pisano at 203-415-4387, message Poeta Strong on facebook, or email poetastrong@gmail.com

We are the thousands and WE ARE POETA STRONG!

Seymour High School to hold 'Walk of Light Vigil' in honor of Nina

SEYMOUR >>  Seymour High School to hold “Walk of Light Vigil” in honor of Nina Poeta  on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

From the weekend: Seymour teen who touched the lives of many dies at 17 of cancer

By Keldy Ortiz
Register Staff
SEYMOUR >> Nina Poeta, a Seymour High School senior who touched the lives of many in the community as she battled cancer, has died, according to her school.
She was 17.
Rich Kearns, director of security for Seymour Public Schools, said Poeta passed during the overnight hours Saturday. Kearns said grief counseling will be made available at the high school both Sunday and Monday.
“Our Valley Community has all joined together as one community over the past year to offer support and comfort as Seymour High School student Nina Poeta fought “strong” through her battle with cancer,” Kearns said in a release.

Read the full story here. 

Seymour teen battling brain tumor receives handicapped-accessible van

Photos by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR >> The young woman battling a brain tumor, Nina Poeta, received a brand new handicapped-accessible van Wednesday, courtesy of Harte Family Motors.

The custom MV-1 edition van, emblazoned with pink decals boasting “Keep Calm & Nina Strong” and a “No One Fights Alone” across the bumper, was donated by the car dealership for use by the Poeta family for as long as they need it.

Read more here.

Seymour proclaims Friday, Oct. 24 as Nina Poeta Day

SEYMOUR >> The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday unanimously approved a proclamation, naming Friday, Oct. 24 as Nina Poeta Day. Nina, 17, is a Seymour High School cheerleader battling an inoperable brain tumor. The community has rallied around Nina since she first learned of her diagnosis in November 2013. Numerous fundraisers, from cut-a-thons to craft fairs, have been held to help the family with medical bills and pink t-shirts emblazoned with 'Keep Calm and Nina Strong' were created, and can be seen throughout the community and beyond, during football games and other events. Community prayer events have also been held, with residents banding together to show Nina how much they love and support her.
On Friday, everyone is being asked to wear something pink and gray to show their support for Nina Poeta Day.

Seymour boys soccer team to help raise funds for Nina

SEYMOUR >> There is a 'Nina Strong' event Friday evening, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. at DeBarber Field, Seymour High School during the Varsity boys soccer game. Players will be decked out in pink shirts and pink laces on their cleats to help raise funds for SHS cheerleader Nina Poeta, who is battling a brain tumor.

Motorcycle ride to benefit stricken Seymour teen

Nina Poeta

The Code of Silence Motorcycle Club of Stratford will be hosting a motorcycle ride Saturday to benefit Seymour High School student Nina Poeta, who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

The benefit motorcycle ride will start at Seymour High School at 12 p.m., and the procession will be escorted by local police through Seymour and by Nina’s home.

There is a $10 donation requested per motorcycle or car to participate in this event, with all proceeds collected going directly to the Poeta family. All riders are welcome!

For additional information, contact Mike Curry at 203-908-2331.

This is a press release from the Code of Silence Motorcycle Club of Stratford.