Hello friends, 

I want to take a moment to talk about a resilient man who's the heartbeat of our family, my father Angelo.  More than just a loving yet overprotective father to me, my sister Jennifer and my brother-in-law Eddie, he is a devoted husband to my mother Rosa, a proud Nonno to four amazing grandchildren, and a cherished brother/ brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.  

Italian to the core but American by choice,  my father worked tirelessly for 30 years to provide for us, yet always managed to make time for what mattered most to him- family dinners, family vacations, and well... soccer. Cooking brings him joy, dancing is his passion, and the casino? Well, if you know him you know that’s his playground. 

Just like his voice and personality, my father has always believed that love is loud, family is everything, respect is earned, dancing is good for the soul and life is meant to be enjoyed. Whether telling jokes or stories about his wild younger days in the Italian military, there's no doubt he brings a smile and a good laugh to everyone around him.

This February, life threw us an unexpected challenge, a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will need major surgery in the next few months.  We are incredibly fortunate to have an amazing medical team by his side, as well as unwavering support from family and friends. In between chemo treatment, numerous doctors appointments and physical therapy he still manages to worry about us!

We are not ready to stop dancing or to let cancer win. Join me if you can Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 8 am for a walk that can help raise awareness about pancreatic cancer as well as fund research that could give families like ours more time together. If you find it in your heart please join our team, donate, or just send some prayers my father's way.

His roulette number is 26 hence the set goal. We hear "no luck" in his heavy Italian accent more often then not after his casino visits but it's always followed by "sono fortunato in amore" which translates to I'm lucky in love. Cheesy but true! This family doesn't go a day without speaking or saying I love you. Distance can't tear us apart nor can cancer. 

We are staying hopeful, for "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Always remember friends to be an advocate for yourself and your love ones! 

A big thank you from my family and may God Bless us all! 

With love and thanks,

Maria