In a week, my son will turn one. While it's a joyous occasion, it's hard to forget that a very important member of our family is not present to celebrate it--his grandmother and my mom, Daniela. My mom was 57 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She spent 3 years fighting and suffering, but through it she maintained her trademark smile- always happy to get my call or see a sonogram of her "fagiolino".

My mom died on April 28th 2013, 3 months before the birth of William and one day after her 39th wedding anniversary. On July 24th, the day after her only grandson turns 1, she would've turned 62. It's hard to not think about all the missed opportunities and shared birthday parties we could have celebrated together. I would like to honor my mom's memory on her birthday by raising money to find a cure for colon cancer. Hopefully with this money, research will find better treatments and the future generation will not have to endure the loss that my family has. Please donate today!