When a ladybug lands on you, it is said your wishes will come true. This is just what former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Dina Manzois doing for children with cancer.Bringing hope and dear to those affected by this disease,her charityProject Ladybug is consecrated to helping families face the fiscal and emotional hardships during their child`s treatment.
Now, Dina is taking thisamazing assistancefrom NJ toIL with the existence of Atia's Project Ladybug Fund Chicago at Comer Children`s Hospital. Atia Lutarewych, the namesake andinspiration behind this new chapter, is a singular little daughter who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemail (ALL) at only 17 months old.
Starpulse caught up with Dina Manzo for their first official celebration fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Chicagoto learn more about this incredible foundation.
Why is this effort so tight to your heart?
My dad was a huge admirer of St. Jude. Actually, my middle name is St. Jude, Judith. I only grew up seeing him bear this foundation throughout the years. I recollect being so frantic to get my first checking account so I could place my first break into St. Jude. As I matured and had a child myself, I realised how fortunate I was to get a goodly child. I hardly knew I had to do something on my own. I am an event planner and figured why not have a company for a large cause. It started off as an annual event. Then, the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" opportunity came along and I figured why not. This could actually do wonders for the foundation. I say Bravo gave Project Ladybug its wings.
Congratulations on expanding Project Ladybug to Chicago. How did you learn about Atia?
I met her mom Laura at the Bait for Children`s Cancer right here in Chicago. She came up to me to let me know she was a fan of the picture and told me her story. She is really a cancer survivor herself. I simply drop in bed with her girl and her spirit. Atia reminds me of myself a small bit. She is exactly a little spitfire. I only love her to death. When her mom told me about Colmer Children`s Hospital and what a large facility it was, especially since they have been to other centers and they didn`t get the like treatment, this is what Project Ladybug is actually all about. We try to search out these special hospitals that contain these families in and deal them as man not merely another case.
What is your proudest moment so far since thecharity was formed?
There are so many moments but I deliver to say this one, launching in Chicago. It is actually the root of us being all over the country. Los Angeles needs us, plus New York and Texas. We are making our way and this month was so surreal for all of us. This month has been so overwhelming. It is about wish I want to catch myself. This all started off with my mom and my sisters sitting around my dining room table. We only wanted to do something good.
Visit www.projectladybug.org to acquire more.
No comments:
Post a Comment