Panorama Panorama February:March 2019 | Page 13

Raccolta fondi nella comunita' Tenth Annual Suri’s Smile Gala Lisa Boon remember and celebrate Suri’s 10th birthday with the Tenth Annual Suri’s Smile Gala. Suri Olivia Boon was born on February 18th 2009. At four months old she was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumours (ATRT) and was given a 30% chance of surviving On Friday February 22, 2019 at the Terrace Banquet Hall in Vaughan, Jarrod and brain Jarrod & Lisa Boon with colleagues from the York Regional Police Association cancer. Through many surgeries, induction rounds of high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, Suri amazed everyone with her spirit and determination with her constant smile. However, after 5 and a half months Suri’s little body let go and sadly, on December 2, 2009 Suri passed away in her parents’ arms. The Hospital for Sick Children is the only facility in Canada that has a research centre dedicated to paediatric brain cancer research. To date the annual Suri’s Smile Gala has raised over $250,000 which is being used to help fund From left: Dott Buffet, Jarrod & Lisa Boon, Dott. Agnes Wang and Dott. James Rutka the international study headed by SickKids on ATRT brain cancer working towards finding a cure for this devastating Dinner Tony: ALS GALA The Cipollone family held their first "Dance for Tony ALS GALA" on Friday March 8, 2019 at the Fontana Primavera Event Centre, to raise funds In the picture from Left: Frank, Rocco (winner of the jersey signed by Darryl Sittler) Sandro,Tony and Sam and awareness for ALS. Over 600 a strong man and continues to live life guests enjoyed great company, inside his failing body with the help of delicious food, great entertainment by his loving family. He tells everyone... Lu Sicilianu Raggiatu Comedian and "Be kinder than necessary, for DJ bb Blanc, as well as a Silent and everyone you meet is fighting some live auction and Raffle with amazing kind of battle." prizes. Sam Ciccolini also presented Tony who is a big Maple Leaf fan, with a signed jersey by Darryl Sittler. A cheque was also presented to Tony Cipollone from Gofundme. Tony Cipollone was diagnosed with ALS. Tony's whole life as he and his family knew it would change. His plan to retire at 60; and all the goals Presentation ofcheque from “ Gofundme”: Andrew, Adam, Michael, Robert, Tony, Adrian, he and his wife had made together came to a halt. Tony is Gabriel. disease and helping those who are currently fighting to beat the odds. At this year’s Gala, guest speakers from SickKids, Dr. James Rutka and Dr. Eric Bouffet, retold Suri’s story and how much the research on ATRT brain cancer thanks to Suri’s Smile Galas has advanced and helped the survival chances of those children diagnosed with this devasting disease. A.L.S. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, those living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. ALS is not contagious. Research has identified multiple factors that may trigger its development; one being the changes in the genes . There is no cure for ALS and there are few treatment options for the majority of people living with the disease. Approximately 80% of people with ALS die within two to five years of being diagnosed. An estimated 3 000 Canadians are currently living with ALS. Each year approximately 1000 Canadians are diagnosed and die from ALS. You are invited to "Walk to End ALS" on Saturday June 15, 2019 in Brampton. A special fundraiser for Giada A special fundraiser for Giada Meta an 11 year old student from St. Stephen's Catholic School in Woodbridge, sick with Leukemia was held on Friday evening March 1, 2019 at Riviera Events Space. Over 300 sympathizers and supporters came to the aid of Giada and her family as they are trying to cope emotionally and financially during this difficult time. The organizers of this event: Domenic Matera, Enzo Imparato, Rocco Grossi and Alberto Tari secured an Elvis entertainer Bruno Nesci, a Neapolitan singer Mario Maglione from Italy and Vinz Derosa to enhance the evening; also sponsors to donate raffle prizes which all helped to raise well over $30,000 for Giada's cause. Giada's parents Giuseppe and Antonella as well as her older brother, Alessio were very touched and appreciative of all that was done for them by the organizers and guests who attended. One of the guests Claudio Villa was so moved by Giada donated $10 000 to help ease the burden on the family. Presentation of a cheque to Meta family from the organizers of the fundraiser event Panorama ItalianCanadian 13 Panorama Febbraio 2019