Denise's Army

We never in a million years thought we would be here, but here we are and we are ready to fight and ready to WIN.  Our mom, Denise Hinkel Cenedella, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 6, 2018.   If you know Denise, the first thing that may come to mind is her healthy lifestyle and positivity.   As a Wellness Director for the YMCA in San Diego, CA and Silverlake "The Family Place" in Erlanger, KY for over 25 years, she has dedicated her career to celebrating healthy living and nutrition.   She is the world's best listener and motivator - brightening every room with her contagious smile and an amazing zest for life.  Every day, she is proud to serve others who are making strides in their own wellness journeys.  Who else do you know wakes up at 3:30am every morning, to be at work by 5:00am to empower people through working out - all without coffee!?  This diagnosis does not define us, but we can't help but wonder how someone so healthy, with absolutely no prior medical history, could ever be associated with such a terrible disease.  
Our mom is the kindest person we know.  From a young age, the words "please" and "thank you" were not optional.  "Ma'am" and "Sir" were included in every interaction with adults.  On Christmas Eve, we would go to Olive Garden for dinner after Mass.  During dinner, we would find an elderly couple in the restaurant and anonymously pay for their meal.  "It's just a nice thing to do", she would tell us.  Watching our server tell the couples that their bill was paid for and seeing their faces light up will forever be one of our favorite childhood memories.  Our mom is and has always been the very best role model for us kids.  

Denise has been and will always be our biggest fan and cheerleader, but now she is handing the pom-poms over to us.  She is the most resilient person we know, always overcoming obstacles and adversity.  This journey is no different, and she is ready to fight. 
Denise is the most selfless person, ever.  Always thinking of others, she is steadfast in her commitment to the community and "doing small things with great love".  She will literally give you the clothes off her back.  Many times, Denise is serving others from behind the scenes so as to not warrant any unwanted praise or attention.  She is NEVER one to ask for anything - financial support being at the very top of that list.  This is different. 

We need your help.  Please support our journey by donating to help offset the cost of her medical treatments.  We will humbly and gratefully accept every dollar, prayer, and postive vibe to sustain us on this unfamiliar and scary road.  We are rallying the troops and building Denise's Army. We are ready for battle and we WILL win.  

As Mom would say, "let's take care of business".

With love and light,
Carly and Phil