Hi family and friends,

I’m reaching out to ask for your support for someone who means the world to me: my best friend, my family, and the most selfless person I’ve ever known—Retta.

On December 4th, after numerous tests and biopsies, we received devastating news: Retta has been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Doctors found four cancerous masses—three in her left breast and one in her armpit lymph node. While testing isn’t complete, we are moving forward quickly, ready to fight with everything we’ve got.

Retta’s treatment journey will be intense. She’s scheduled to begin chemotherapy by the end of December, with six treatments over the next four months. After that, she will undergo a double mastectomy in the spring of 2025, followed by radiation. This will be a long and challenging year, but Retta is a fighter, and we will do everything possible to support her in this battle.

For those of you who don’t know Retta as well, let me share a bit about her. She’s one of the strongest, most independent women I’ve ever known—always there for others, even when she didn’t have much to give. Retta’s the person you can call when you need help, a laugh, or just someone to listen. She’s the one who’s always had your back, no matter the situation.

Retta has raised three wonderful boys: Giovanni (11), Calogero (8), and Emiliano (2). As many of you know, she adopted her nephew, Calogero, when he was an infant, and he has been her baby ever since. Her children are her world, and she works tirelessly to provide them with everything they need. They are her greatest motivation to fight.

Now, Retta needs our help. The financial strain of her treatments is overwhelming. With so many days off work for chemotherapy, along with medical expenses that insurance may not cover, we are asking for any financial assistance you can provide. These funds will help cover treatment costs, living expenses, and support for her family during this challenging time.

Please know that no contribution is too small—every dollar will help ease the burden on Retta so she can focus on her fight, not the financial stress. Even if you can’t donate, please consider keeping Retta in your thoughts and prayers. Your support, in any form, means the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, love, and prayers. God bless you.