An Angel Gained Her Wings

For those of you who may not know our Christina (Chrissy to many of you) has been battling breast cancer for the past three years.

Just two months after getting married, in February 2020, Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer. While most newlyweds can simply enjoy the honeymoon stage of a new life and home together (and we all know how much she loved her home!) Pete and Christina were faced with a devastating diagnosis.

Shortly after her diagnosis, Christina underwent 6 months of chemotherapy. That was followed by a double mastectomy and hysterectomy, and then a reconstructive surgery. In April 2021, she received the news that her cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. One month later, she received an unimaginable diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones and liver. She underwent two courses of chemotherapy, both of which we unsuccessful. When those treatments failed, she entered a clinical trial, which was also unsuccessful. She then turned to an aggressive course of chemotherapy, which did not work. She looked to supplement the medical treatments with holistic ones, even traveling overseas for additional treatment.

In true Christina fashion, she fought valiantly every. single. day. Despite years of physical pain, numerous surgeries, and constant discomfort, she hid it all with a smile on her face and, often, a glass (or two) of wine in her hand. She continued to have hope and a positive outlook and put on a brave face for her son Anthony, 14, and her daughter Alex, 12. She attended all of their sporting events and school activities, never once complaining. She threw parties and hosted holidays, cooking for her family and friends. There were times Pete would come home and, as he drove down the street, would think to himself that someone on the block was having a party - only to quickly realize it was his house and his party.

She fought hard and had the love and support of so many, but most of all, her husband Pete. He was there with her, and for her, every day of this journey - every treatment, every surgery, every recovery. He was her rock and he took care of her until the very end. It's our turn to be there for him. He is facing countless medical bills and many more that have not even yet arrived. He is also faced with the expense of burying his wife, after just three short years of marriage.

Christina died peacefully on February 5, 2023, almost exactly three years after her initial diagnosis. She was 43. She spent her final days at home surrounded by friends and family who loved her. Christina was fortunate to have what she referred to as a beautiful, blended family. In true Chris fashion, she had to defy the norm - even when it came to family. She is survived by her husband Pete, her son Anthony (14), her daughter Alex (12), her mother Lena, and her grandmother Carmela (98). Her second family consisted of her first husband Vincent Trapani, his wife Lydia, who was like a sister to Christina, her son Anthony (12), and their children Christian (5) and Sophia (2). Christina loved them and those children as if they were her own. Her family is confident that she is finally at peace and with her father, Cono, whom she loved with all of her heart in the short time she had with him.

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