Be the light
BE THE LIGHT
GIVING BACK
Be The Light: A Pro-Bono Initiative In Rosalie’s Honor
October 2023
With a suitcase overflowing with supplies , I made the drive down to Vaughan to visit our cousin Rosalie at her long term care facility. What was intended to be a gift to her, turned out to be the real gift that I would receive; an important reminder and lesson on how a simple act of kindness can bring such immense joy to both the giver and the receiver. At the pivotal age of 13, Rosalie was diagnosed with Freidrich’s Ataxia – a rare inherited, degenerative disease that causes damage to the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the cerebellum portion of the brain. This condition tends to develop in children and teens and gradually worsens over time. Being there with her that bright mid-october day, watching her delight in the experience, made me realize that there are others like Rosalie who could surely benefit from some human connection and healing physical touch. It was clear in that instant — an initiative that would be meaningful, worth-while and impactful.
It was then that I was reminded of this verse:
IT'S A DARK WORLD
BE THE LIGHT
MATTHEW 5:14
BE THE LIGHT
A Pro Bono Initiative
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."
James Keller
As a human who strives to see the good and beautiful in humanity, I also try to live my life by following one (golden) rule; treat others as I want to be treated. We are far more alike than we are different. What unites us as a people is our common need to connect with others. ‘Be The Light’ is about connection. It’s about offering compassion, hope and encouragement in times when others are struggling. When they are in darkness…and we have all been in it to some varying degree at some point in our lives, it is a way to illuminate them, to hold them up. It is our hope that this initiative might inspire others to spread kindness, to not hold back on the gifts we can give – no matter how small or insignificant they might seem. Often, the greatest gift we can give is to simply hold space for someone, to be the presence they need at that moment.
Nominate someone in need
How this works
Every month we will be selecting a deserving recipient for a free spa treatment. In the case that the recipient is bedridden, we will make our best effort to visit them on-site at their home or facility, within a reasonable time frame.
JENNY DI PIETRO
A Bright Light
To know Jenny DiPietro is to know (that she is) a ray of sunshine – a bright light in more lives and in more ways than we can count. If you don’t know Jenny, you’re missing out! Believe us when we say that she is an EXTRAORDINARY woman. Her selflessness and altruistic nature are noteworthy. Her dimply smile infectious. Her positivity inspiring. Her exuberance and zest for life are beautiful. At 45 years old, she shines brightest to her 4 children, who in spite of being quite independent given their young ages, need their mom nonetheless.
Jenny was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019. She got through it. She was cancer free for 3 years. On Friday November 3rd 2023, Jenny received news from her Oncologist that her cancer has returned. This time, it has metastasized. The cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and lungs.
On Monday November 20th, Jenny will begin a treacherous course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. If you’ve ever known someone that has been touched by cancer, you’ll have a better idea of what lays ahead for her and her family (although every case is different). Much will fall on the shoulders of her husband Paul DiPietro. The kids will help. There is no denying that the burden will be heavy. It will be exhausting for all of them.
When someone as rare and special as Jenny DiPietro is diagnosed with something as awful as cancer for the second time in 3 years, we can’t help but wonder why. Since we have no possible way of answering that, the question we are left asking ourselves next is: What can we do to help? How can we give her (and her family of 6) a fighting chance to get through this with as little suffering as humanly possible given the gravity of their circumstances?
Although we may have feelings of powerlessness over her trajectory, there ARE some ways we can make this easier on the entire DiPietro family. For the select few that are in their tight inner circle, that may include giving of their time, providing hot meals, a drive to chemo, moral support, help around the house etc. For the many that have been on the receiving end of Jenny’s numerous philanthropic contributions, this could mean giving back. For those who can empathize with the situation (and we truly hope that applies to EVERYONE reading this), it might mean providing financial assistance to help this beautiful family in their time of need.
Please know that ANY support whatsoever will be appreciated beyond measure.
With gratitude,
Jenny’s Bond Head Friends & Neighbors