For most people, the word “cruise” is synonymous with sun and fun-filled tropical vacations. But for Ann Torcivia, the owner of Friends Travel, LTD and organizer of “Charity at Sea” an annual cruise that benefits many special organizations whose mission is to help others, it means a lot more. For Ann it means celebrating the life and legacy of Ann’s late son – Joey Torcivia.

Ann’s story starts like this:

Four years ago, Ann lost Joey to Aplastic Anemia. His greatest wish, however, was to go on a cruise, and, thanks to The Marty Lyons Foundation, Ann’s “little angel” was able to live out this dream. Established by Marty Lyons, the former NFL (New York Jets) professional, The Marty Lyons Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing special children – who are facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses – the courage to wish for more through the granting of special wishes.

In Joey’s case, The Foundation arranged for a special cruise on board the Disney Magic. The cruise, which took place in 1998, was a truly magical experience for all involved. During the process, the unlikely pairing of NFL giant and 3ft-tall bundle of energy quickly became an inseparable duo. True to form, the ever-energetic Joey was also a regular at the “Mickey Slide.” When other children asked about the feeding tube in his chest, he would tell them that he was a robot. Joey’s relentless energy and enthusiasm is something Marty Lyons will never forget.

“It was an honor to have known and spent time with Joey,” says Marty Lyons, the founder and chairman of The Marty Lyons Foundation. “Our work at The Foundation allows us to meet a unique group of children but Joey was truly special. Granting his wish was a great privilege but getting the opportunity to meet him was even more rewarding.”

With Joey’s passing, Ann looked for a way to keep his spirit alive, and also give back to The Foundation. As a travel agent, she did not have to look far and set about organizing an annual cruise that would benefit The Foundation, honor Joey’s memory and give hope to other children. The first cruise took place in 1998 on the new Disney Magic, and it was a resounding success. Since then, Ann has organized 3 subsequent cruises, raising more than $6,000 for The Foundation, and generating greater awareness about its compassionate mission. As Marty Lyons notes: “With each cruise, Joey’s courageous spirit lives on in the lives of other special children. He was and will always be The Foundation’s little angel.”

For 4 years now, Ann has carried on and shared little Joey’s legacy with hundreds of fellow passengers on successive cruises. And the experience has been richly rewarding. Each cruise has offered passengers a number of perks, including upgrades and gifts, and featured special events such as cocktail dinners. So far, Ann has organized cruises with Disney, Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruise line, and more than 300 passengers have gone “cruisin’.”

“People who have been on my cruises have felt good that they were a part of something great,” says Ann. “It’s a good feeling when you get a great vacation, and know that you are helping a worthy cause at the same time. People leave my cruise with a smile in their hearts.”

“We’re thrilled to be helping Ann meet her fundraising goals for Charity at Sea,” said Phyllis Fragiorgi, the sales development manager at Costa Cruise. “It’s really a win-win situation. Her clients get to experience the fun and ambiance of cruising ‘Italian Style’ on board Costa Cruise Lines, and The Foundations benefit with each passenger that sails. It’s a wonderful concept.”

Indeed, for those who take part, there is a special feeling about the cruise. It is, after all, a journey that inspires hope in those that need it most. Perhaps Ann best sums it up when she says of Joey: “He was so full of life and always had a smile on his face. He touched everyone he came in contact with. Joey was and still is an angel.” And true to character, the little angel known as Joey Torcivia is giving his mom the energy to help many other organization now.
Now Ann is eagerly spreading the word and encouraging others to join her on the next cruise. If you would like to be part of “Charity at Sea”, whether it being a cruiser or an organization whose mission is to help others. Please contact Ann directly at (516) 822-5966