Forever Val

Hi Friends and everyone.

As some of you may already know my best friend lost her life last October to suicide. She was a smart, vibrant and compassionate person with a spirit that touched more people than I think she ever realized. Her energy was infectious and the impact she had on both personal and professional pursuits is undeniable. She was a giver of so much—her time, her knowledge, her love, her compassion, her brightness. This is her legacy, her essence. It is what I will always remember her by. Her death inflicted such enormous loss and sadness upon all of us. This feeling and reality will never be different, but with hope, her spirit and memory will always touch the lives of those she loved and care for.

Val was full of passion and dedication; not just for her family and friends, but for the work she excelled at for so many years as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She was prolific in her field, which is no surprise considering her excellence as a student both in high school and college. She worked harder at her studies than most people I've ever know; and it was not for nothing—it was for the love and commitment to helping others, especially young children with special needs. Her work as a therapist  impacted and improved the lives of so many young children and their families and I truly believe it would be an honor to donate to a cause she found so much joy from and single handedly made such a difference in . Her contribution and service while she was alive was remarkable and appreciated by so many and I hope through this charitable gesture her name and memory will shine brightly.

With love and graciousness, you will always be remembered, Valentina.