Sculpture Honoring Mila and My Mom
Donation protected
As my daughter Mila neared the end of her life, my mom (Jeni Vitarello) dreamed of having a bronze sculpture made of her that captured Mila's curiosity and imagination. In the darkest of times, the idea comforted me. So I found an amazing local sculptor and together with my mom, we helped design clay models of young Mila reaching for a hummingbird, surrounded by the whimsical wild animals she loved to imagine. Thanks to great friends and the City of Boulder, we found a home for the planned life-sized sculptures in Mila’s favorite playground at the historic Chautauqua park. I was surprised to see that the playground had recently been rebuilt, but at the center still stood the original tree with its outstretched limbs that Mila climbed on and hung from as a child. The perfect spot for the sculptures to live. In some way, it felt like the tree stuck around just for Mila…
* * *
When I held my Mila bug for the first time, my mother was right beside me. Never could I imagine how my life would unfold.
As my children grew, I watched my mom love them, guide them, and inspire them. I listened as she told them fantastical stories of Princess Mila and Prince Azlan and their magical forest friends. I can still hear Mila's laughter traveling through the hallways and filling our home. Mila's curiosity marched her up mountains, down trails, and through snowy fields, always with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Even the simplest moments were transformed into the most brilliant adventures.
But the laughter was silenced when Mila was diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease at just six years old. When I was told there was nothing I could do and I fell to the ground, my mom picked me up and gave me the courage to fight. I battled for Mila's life and as she lost her vision and her words, my mom helped me as I struggled to find ways to keep Mila's mind engaged.
And then my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Somehow, she always managed to find the light in even the darkest of rooms. And so she continued to laugh, enjoying every moment with me and my kids, my dad, my brothers and their families and each important person in her life.
Last year, Mila’s spirit left her body, and just months later, my mom’s spirit followed. They are no longer here for me to hold... but I like to sit on my sofa and close my eyes and imagine them together on a long journey led by a hummingbird through the trees, a vested bear and a theatrical fox in tow.
The time has come to bring these sculptures to life. Our family would be so grateful if you helped us make this a reality. Let's create the place where all of us can forever gather and be reminded of the adventures of Mila bug and her grandma, and the hope that Mila's life has given to millions of children with rare diseases around the world.
With gratitude and hope,
* * *
When I held my Mila bug for the first time, my mother was right beside me. Never could I imagine how my life would unfold.
As my children grew, I watched my mom love them, guide them, and inspire them. I listened as she told them fantastical stories of Princess Mila and Prince Azlan and their magical forest friends. I can still hear Mila's laughter traveling through the hallways and filling our home. Mila's curiosity marched her up mountains, down trails, and through snowy fields, always with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Even the simplest moments were transformed into the most brilliant adventures.
But the laughter was silenced when Mila was diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease at just six years old. When I was told there was nothing I could do and I fell to the ground, my mom picked me up and gave me the courage to fight. I battled for Mila's life and as she lost her vision and her words, my mom helped me as I struggled to find ways to keep Mila's mind engaged.
And then my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Somehow, she always managed to find the light in even the darkest of rooms. And so she continued to laugh, enjoying every moment with me and my kids, my dad, my brothers and their families and each important person in her life.
Last year, Mila’s spirit left her body, and just months later, my mom’s spirit followed. They are no longer here for me to hold... but I like to sit on my sofa and close my eyes and imagine them together on a long journey led by a hummingbird through the trees, a vested bear and a theatrical fox in tow.
The time has come to bring these sculptures to life. Our family would be so grateful if you helped us make this a reality. Let's create the place where all of us can forever gather and be reminded of the adventures of Mila bug and her grandma, and the hope that Mila's life has given to millions of children with rare diseases around the world.
With gratitude and hope,
Organizer
Julia Vitarello
Organizer
Longmont, CO