About Team Momo

Team Momo was established by a very close friend of Momo’s who felt the need to “do something” while Momo was in a medically induced coma to spread the love she shared for her and her sense of Ohana. Little did we know that a $20 online T-Shirt sale to offer support of a friend would balloon into a $9,000 fundraising effort?

This is where we believe the true meaning of Ohana and life after death has been defined.

With the loss of a child to HLH comes a darkness that is inexplicable. You come to realize that very few know your disbelief. By the time you are able to grasp what is actually happening, it’s too late. This is a feeling no parent or family should go through. We felt the need to find an organization that could help us understand what we were going through and needed a “light” to help us turn our pain into a healing process.

Divine intervention directed us to the Liam’s Lighthouse Foundation (LLF). LLF was established by a mother who lost her 20 month old son to HLH. Her son inspired her to make a difference in the world of Histiocytosis and continue the fight he no longer could against HLH. LLF has raised and funded over $100,000 to HLH research and clinical trials for the Center of Excellence. Their aim is to raise much needed funds for continued education of physicians and research to develop safer and more effective treatment methods and ultimately a cure.

We have participated in the LLF 5K to Fight Histo fundraising event in since 2014 where Team Momo has been one of their top fundraisers raising over $5,000 each year. Our goal is to continue that streak in the years to come!

Friends, family and strangers joined together and raised over $10,000 to support The Monique Tartt Scholarship fund which was been established for a graduating member of the chamber The Monique Tartt Scholarship Fundchoir at Hauppauge High School. We embrace the continued support and encourage you to continue to support us in spreading awareness of HLH.

2023 Recipient – Rocco Caminiti
2022 Recipient – Gracie Green
2021 Recipient – Ryan Krozer
2020 Recipient – Rose Recce
2019 Recipient – Mara Smakal
2018 Recipient – Caitlyn Bilz
2017 Recipient – Stephanie Zajac
2016 Recipient – Michael LoRusso
2015 Recipient – Laurel Albinder
2014 Recipient – Lauren Bacotti

The Monique Tartt Foundation was established for a qualifying senior of the Chamber Choir to ensure that Team Momo will forever continue to touch the lives of that in need, and we can feel her smile upon us each and every day.  Monique’s love of music, fun and laughter flourished throughout her daily life.  A few of the requirements for this scholarship are a true sense of school spirit, respect of themselves and others,  a willingness to help others and share in the understanding of Ohana.

Remember… A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear.