Cheerleading competition held in Seymour in memory of Nina Poeta

A TV photographer zooms in Saturday on a collage of photos of Nina Poeta, a Seymour High School cheerleader who died Nov. 1, 2014 at age 17 after battling an inoperable brain tumor. 

Seymour High School Varsity Cheerleaders hosted the 10th annual Wildcat Open - "Bring it on for Nina," at Seymour Middle School. This is the third year the competition was dedicated to Nina's memory. 

Stay tuned for more in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter. 

Reminder: Today's the day for celebrating in Seymour

Sharing information from the Poeta Strong page on Facebook:

"Seymour's Angel, Nina Poeta, will be honored throughout downtown Seymour, Connecticut tomorrow [today, Saturday]. The town will be transformed into Bedford Falls with carolers, horse and carriage rides, dinner and a concert. Angel Wings will be available for purchase. A bell will ring in town for Nina for every pair of wings. Please join us for this very special day."

Carolers in Seymour to collect donations for Poeta family

Seymour resident asks continued support for Poeta family

Fund-raising events planned
The following was written by Seymour resident Elizabeth Pisano, a friend of the Poeta family whose daughter, Nina, recently lost her battle with an inoperable brain tumor.

Pisano created a gofundme.com account for the family soon after Nina was diagnosed last November at age 17.

Nina Poeta

"As the Poeta family suffers the worst loss imaginable, they need the support of this wonderful, and large, community more than ever.

"Poeta Strong will continue to try to anticipate the needs of our dear friends and help them in any way possible.

"Right now they need us to offer our love and prayers.
"They also need our financial help. The expenses of the past year are great. We can ease this burden somewhat. Benefits are being held to offer assistance over the next few months. Please attend as many as you can.

"These are opportunities to join together and celebrate Nina's life and this wonderful family, while removing some of the added stress of these large expenses.

"On Nov. 21, a Benefit Dinner will be held at La Bella Vista at the Ponte Club, 380 Farmwood Road in Waterbury. Individual tickets, as well as full tables of 10, are available. This will be a very special night for friends and family to gather.

"Please send a message to poetastrong@gmail.com for tickets or call 203-415-4387.

"Thank you all for continuing on this journey with the Poeta family and for being there for them throughout the past year. WE ARE POETA STRONG!!"


A Day of Healing will be held Sunday at Phoenix Yoga & Wellness, 39 New Haven Road, Seymour. The event is a fundraiser for the Poeta family.

Dinner planned to benefit Seymour family

A tribute to Seymour teen Nina Poeta

ANSONIA - This sign near the corner of East Main and Central streets honors Nina Poeta, the Seymour High School cheerleader who lost her courageous battle with an inoperable brain tumor Saturday at age 17. A funeral Mass was held for her this morning at Holy Rosary Church on nearby Father Salemi Drive.   

Pink balloons for Nina seen in downtown Ansonia

ANSONIA - Unfortunately this morning's rain has knocked down pink balloons that were placed on Father Salemi Drive in honor of Nina Poeta, the Seymour High School cheerleader who died Saturday after battling an inoperable brain tumor. 

Calling hours for Nina will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Holy Rosary Church on Father Salemi Drive.

Seymour continues to be strong for Nina, family

Walk of Light vigil draws thousands 

The solemn vigil held last night at the Seymour High School field to honor Nina Poeta is the kind of touching event that those who live and work in the Valley have come to know well. It demonstrates once again how the Valley is indeed a caring, close-knit community.


*Read New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich's story about the event honoring the life of Nina Poeta here.

*And view a gallery of 41 beautiful and touching photos by New Haven Register photojournalist Peter Hvizdak here.

Sharing sad news of Seymour teen's passing

A note from the Facebook page of the Office of Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller:

"It is with heartfelt sympathy that the Seymour community mourns the loss of Seymour High School student Nina Poeta after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Our love and support are with the Poeta family. 

"Seymour High School will be open to provide grief counseling to all of our students and parents through out the day. A memorial for Nina has been set up at the high school for anyone wishing to pay their respects."



I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Poeta family.


The Valley community and beyond rallied around the family since Nina was diagnosed with a brain tumor last November, and my hope is the family can take some comfort in that.

Today is Nina Poeta Day in Seymour

Residents urged to wear pink and gray to show support 

SEYMOUR - The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday unanimously approved a proclamation, naming today, 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.
Today everyone is being asked to wear something pink and gray to show their support for Nina Poeta Day. 


Note: This post was written by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, and first appeared on the Register's View from the Valley blog.

Seymour-Oxford game to benefit Poeta Strong

Soccer game in Seymour to raise funds, awareness

Seymour event supports Poeta Strong

Seymour resident Nina Poeta enjoys a shampoo Thursday from Kellie Steeves, owner of Oxford Hair Academy in Seymour during a Cut-A-Thon there to benefit Poeta Strong. Nina, 17, is battling cancer. 

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller supports the cause by getting a trim. 

Volunteers and staff wear their "Keep Calm and Nina Strong" pink T-shirts at Thursday's cut-a-thon.


A big thank you to Seymour resident Elizabeth Pisano, a friend of the Poeta family, for sharing these photos. Pisano said the cut-a-thon raised $6,000 for Nina.

Cut-A-Thon to support Seymour teen battling cancer

Proceeds to benefit the Poeta Family Fund

SEYMOUR - Nina Poeta, 17, is  a cheerleader for Seymour High School and a very special young lady in the Valley community.

Most people in the area know of her battle with cancer.  She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in November. 

The past 10 months have been quite challenging for Nina and her family. 

She has undergone radiation, two very delicate surgical procedures, and is currently receiving a second round of chemotherapy. 

The community’s love and support has been a blessing to the Poeta family. A fund was set up on Go Fund Me and has raised more than $80,000 to help with the financial challenges they are facing. 

Please visit the site to learn more about Nina and her journey" http://www.gofundme.com/5eirqo.

A special event is planned for Nina and her family  fro, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 25). 

Oxford Hair Academy and Body Shoppe Salon are hosting a Cut-A-Thon. 

We are hoping to have a great turnout to show Nina that she is not alone in this fight. This will be a great way to show your love and support. 

Haircuts are $15 and all proceeds will be donated to The Poeta Family Fund. 

Oxford Hair Academy and Body Shoppe Salon is located at 153 North St.

Visit the Poeta Strong Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PoetaStrong or call Elizabeth Pisano at 203-415-4387 for more information or to donate a raffle prize.

This post is taken from a release from Elizabeth Pisano, a friend of the Poeta family.