Lost a Loved One? Connect in Spirit

When 9-year-old Alexandra Falabella - better known as Lexie - passed away from cancer in October of 2009, her mother LeaAnn, was understandably devastated. But LeaAnn found that Lexie's death didn't necessarily mean the end of contact with her daughter.

Falabella sought the guidance of a spiritual medium named Theresa, who supposedly possesses the ability to communicate with the dead and connect family and friends with loved ones who have passed on.

"It’s not for everybody. Some people believe in it, some people don’t," Falabella said, adding that of the two times she has been to see Theresa, she was only able to contact Lexie once.

On Wednesday night, members of the community will have the chance to test Theresa's talents for themselves in the cafeteria of , where a fundraiser will be held for the Lexiebean Foundation, an organization launched by Lexie's parents with the intent of offering financial and emotional support to those suffering from long-term illness.

While a session with a spiritual medium does divert drastically from the cocktail parties and golf outings typical of most fund-raising events, Falabella said the key to is to cast a wide net by hosting activities that appeal to a range of tastes.

"I don’t expect hundreds and hundreds of people. Usually it appeals more to women," said Falabella, whose own husband, Joe, doesn't put much stock in Theresa's ability to communicate with the dead.

In many ways though, the evening is simply a social gathering like any other, complete with refreshments and the chance to socialize with neighbors and friends. "It’s almost like a night out," Falabella said.

The session will give attendees the opportunity to attempt to communicate with anyone in their lives who has passed away, though Falabella does warn that contact is not guaranteed. Attendees should also know that sessions take place in a group setting, meaning anyone hoping to make contact will be doing so in full view of a number of curious on-lookers.

Those interested in attending are invited to register online, though payment at the door is also accepted. The event will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. Cost of entry is $50, and proceeds will go toward the Lexiebean Foundation. Louis Pasteur Middle School is located at 51-60 Marathon Parkway in Little Neck.