Lisa Altieri’s Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

Hi, my name is Judy Bonkowski and I’m fundraising for my friend and colleague, Lisa Altieri. Lisa was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has to undergo a double mastectomy, as well as reconstructive surgery. These next few months will require a lot of testing, procedures, and travel planning, which are all overwhelming alone, no less having to do so while suffering the emotional turmoil of a cancer diagnosis. Lisa, who needs to concentrate on her health and healing, is faced with the challenges of every day living, sustaining her home, and caring for her family amidst mounting medical bills and ill health. Her husband is a wonderful support, both emotionally and financially, but there is only so far money can and will go.

Lisa is fortunate to have a loving family who supports her. She has a husband, four children and numerous fur babies that she cares for. Her children, though older, still need the love and care of their mother. Her husband still needs the love of his wife. And of course, her fur babies need her just as much.

I understand that there are MANY fundraisers that we encounter, especially as of late, but I believe this one to be special, not because Lisa is my friend, but because she is everybody’s friend. Anyone who has had the pleasure of being in her presence feels the love and kindness she emits. She is a warrior for the underdog, a fierce defender of those who cannot find their own voice, an advocate for the well-being of everyone, with a special place in her heart for animals. She is always the first to share a smile, give a hug, and simply just spread kindness. She is the first one to help anyone in need and now finds herself in the humbling position of being the one in need. A reversal of roles that which she is not used to. She usually finds herself fighting for others, but right now she needs to fight for herself, while all of us, her family and friends fight with her. For her. Because no one fights alone.

Please, if you have it in your hearts to help in any way, any small donation will be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, we most likely have all found ourselves in positions we never imagined. One thing is for sure…when life puts us in those positions, we rally the score, we help one another, we rise, together.