Massapequa Ground Zero worker spreads acts of kindness through foundation

A Massapequa man said he was inspired to create a nonprofit that fosters acts of kindness by what he calls “the hardest chapter” of his life. 

Michael Fay, 47, was diagnosed two years ago with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma after a nurse noticed his swollen neck during a routine physical in December 2023.

Months later, Fay founded the With Purpose Foundation to encourage random acts of kindness in local communities while also raising awareness and funds to further research and treatment options for the disease “in hopes of one day finding a cure,” he said.

“Life threw me a curveball,” said Fay, who said oncologists believe his cancer originated from his experience at Ground Zero, transporting food and water after the 9/11 attacks. “I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a shot in the gut, but when I look at what this foundation has been able to accomplish in a short period of time I’m excited to see what the next five years are going to bring.”

Fay, who works as a medical device salesperson for Johnson & Johnson, said his foundation was born shortly after his diagnosis, when he sought to raise $20,000 on GoFundMe over six months for Weill Cornell Medicine. Instead, he raised nearly $50,000 in two weeks and decided to use the money to start the With Purpose Foundation.

Since then, the foundation has carried out dozens of kind acts, some of which have cost thousands of dollars and others that cost nothing except for “a few seconds of time,” he said.

“At its core, the foundation is about transforming hardship into hope,” said Fay, who recently learned his cancer levels are at their lowest since he started treatment, which he credits to the foundation’s uplifting efforts. “Small actions can genuinely change someone’s day, or their life.”

One of Fay’s favorite acts involved buying a beach wheelchair for a nonambulatory, 14-year-old Merrick boy, Jovie Soria, who has cerebral palsy and a form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

Before the wheelchair, Jovie would be pulled to the beach on a sled so he could hear the waves, according to his mother, Cynthia.

“It’s been a big lifesaver,” she said. “I’m forever thankful to him [Fay] for making our lives easier and bringing joy to Jovie.”

Another act involved partnering with the Massapequa School District for a collection of more than 400 backpacks and school supplies for the YES Community Counseling Center.

“Michael is a remarkable testament to the power of courage and resilience in the face of adversity,” said the center’s executive director, Adrienne LoPresti.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.