|
THE UNEXPECTED dedication of the Tree of Hope in the name of their daughter, Alicia, brought April and Nick Di Sandro to tears recently. But they were tears of gratitude and loving memory of the beautiful young teenager who lost her battle with brain cancer in 2000. The Tree of Hope was the symbol of all that the Di Sandros and their Relay supporters wanted to convey as they worked to raise funds for the American Cancer Society last summer. The Di Sandros termed the surprise memorial ''awesome.'' photo by Karen Haave
Relay's Tree of Hope dedicated  Share
The 2009 New Lenox Relay for Life American Cancer Society fundraiser last summer was all about hope. Last week, the dedication of a sturdy young tree on the Veterans Way Commons was about friendship and looking to the future as we remember the past. The Relay's Tree of Hope was dedicated, in a surprise ceremony, to the memory of Alicia Di Sandro, who battled cancer and lost, but sparked a fervent effort in the hearts of her parents to help find a cure so that others will win. The daughter of April and Nick Di Sandro, who co-chaired the 2009 Relay for Life, Alicia was just 14 years old and full of life when she was diagnosed with cancerous brain tumor in 1997. Three years later, on August 16, 2000, she was gone. Since then, the couple and their sons Alan, Sean, Nicky and Joey, have worked tirelessly on behalf of cancer funding. In 2008, their Relay for Life earned them the ACS's coveted Rookie of the Year status for raising $99,192, more money than all of the other new Relay events in the State of Illinois.
The 2009 Relay surpassed even that with $115,199, despite a slumping economy nationwide, to earn the prestigious rank of Illinois Relay All Star. The Di Sandros never asked for any special recognition for their efforts, but Police Chief Bob Sterba and New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann felt they deserved an extra pat on the back, and the Tree of Hope was the best way to do that. Donated by Rosehill Creek Nursery in Manhattan, the Tree of Hope was a big part of the 2009 Relay, representing the positive outlook now made possible for cancer patients and their families. It was planted on the east edge of the Commons, with a beautiful granite marker engraved with Alicia's name. Mayor Baldermann opened the ceremony as the tearful and astonished Di Sandros hugged each other tightly, calling the memorial and its placement on the Commons ''a very special dedication.'' Baldermann said that Chief Sterba initiated the dedication plans ''because he really cares about people.'' Sterba's immediate family also has struggled with cancer, not once, but twice. ''We love our children more than anything in life,'' he noted. ''Nick and April lost their beautiful daughter to cancer. We are dedicating the Tree of Hope in her memory...to make sure that she is never forgotten.'' The Di Sandros said later that they had no idea what their friends were planning, even though April works for the police chief. ''Thank you,'' April Di Sandro said during the dedication. ''This is really amazing.'' Later, Nick Di Sandro said he and his wife were very touched by the dedication. ''Wow! People can see that memorial for years to come. It's a wonderful memorial. ''She (Alicia) loved life. She loved being the center of attention. She would be thrilled with this.'' Sterba said after the ceremony that he is ''very happy with the memorial,'' which was created by Public Works Director Ron Sly's crew. ''They (the Di Sandros) are a wonderful family. All the hope they have (for finding a cure for cancer) is reflected in the tree and the memorial.'' Asked how he managed to arrange the dedication and marker without the Di Sandros discovering his plans, the chief quipped, ''I'm very good at that.'' The dedication was emotional for the Di Sandros, but afterward, their mood lightened when Paula Marszalek, senior income development representative for the ACS Prairie Land Region, presented their banner proclaiming New Lenox the 2009 Relay All Star. The New Lenox Relay, in only its second year, saw growth in income, number of teams, participants, committee, survivorship and online income. But Nick Di Sandro declined to take all the credit for the accomplishment. ''Everybody involved did something to help make that happen,'' he said. ''Everybody, every family who participated, helped.'' Asked if he and his wife would co-chair the 2010 Relay for Life, he grinned, ''If Paula lets us.'' Marsalek responded, ''Yes, thank goodness! ''This group of volunteers and community leaders is awesome! Nick and April are a tremendous couple who do a lot for this community and the American Cancer Society. ''We have an active committee, the full support of Mayor Baldermann and the village and excellent publicity. ''This is a phenomenal event, and I am proud and honored to work with such fine people. We're looking forward to 2010!'' Karen Haave is a reporter for Russell Publications.
|
This Week's Front Page »
Related Stories »
|
