Our driving force and reason for doing what we do is solely the kids. Mathias Giordano and Colby Wood are two kids that have inspired us to do more, and to be advocates for a cause so desperately underfunded.
Mathias Giordano was a former student of ours. He was a resilient young man who showed grace and courage at every step of his 28 month battle. His beautiful smile could light up any room, and there isn’t a sunrise or sunset that doesn’t make us think of him. Heartbreakingly, Mathias lost his battle with osteosarcoma.
Colby Wood is the son of a close friend of ours. He was 5 years old when diagnosed with lymphoma. Colby had a beautiful head of blonde curly hair. When he began to lose it, many friends came together and shaved their heads with him. He was so excited to have so many of his uncles, actual and honorary, be bald like him. We are so thankful that Colby is now a survivor.
We first became aware of the St. Baldrick´s Foundation in 2013 after hearing about an event in New York that our friends the Giordanos attended. Their son, Mathias, was going through treatment at that time and was receiving an award at that event.
Soon after learning about St. Baldrick´s, we attended an event that honored military families that had children who were or had gone through treatment for cancer. Our friends, the Wood family, were one of the families in attendance. Their son Colby was going through treatment at that time. This event was incredibly emotional and inspiring. We met so many kids that were there as survivors or currently fighting. We also heard the stories of those that had lost their battle. We left this event feeling called to do more and decided to host our own event.
We watched both boys and their families battle such a horrible disease, and knew we could certainly host a fundraiser to support a cause that would benefit all kids going through what they had to endure. In our journey of raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research, we have met so many other kids that are unfortunately fighting this horrible disease
There is a picture going around on Facebook that says, ¨If you ever see a child fight cancer, it will change you forever.¨ No truer words have ever been said.
We are both changed forever. Mathias and Colby, and their families, have a piece of our hearts, forever.
