<div>A Life of Compassion and Service For over 50 years, Carmen has been the heartbeat of St. Bernard’s Church and a true blessing to everyone lucky enough to know her. She is a woman who loves with all her heart, defined by a deeply compassionate and giving nature. Carmen has always been the first to give of herself—her time, her talent, and her love—without ever asking for anything in return.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><strong>Her Talents &amp; Dedication: </strong>

</div>

<div>Carmen is a gifted musician and creator. Whether she is playing the guitar or piano, or writing her own intricate musical harmonies, she has led the Folk Choir with passion and provided the beautiful soundtrack for countless parish masses, weddings, and celebrations. Her hands are rarely still; as the head of the Shawl Ministry, she has meticulously knitted countless blankets to warm babies receiving baptism, stitching a prayer of love into every loop.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Her giving spirit extends far beyond the church walls. Carmen dedicated her career to education, spending years teaching and advocating for students with special needs. She poured her heart into helping her students, offering them the same patience, guidance, and unconditional care she brings to her parish family.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><strong>The Challenge Recently:</strong> Carmen was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive and fast-moving form of brain cancer.

</div>

<div>Carmen has overcome many challenges in her life with grace and grit, and she is facing this new battle with that same deep faith. Remarkably, even while navigating this difficult diagnosis, she continues to actively work with the choir to ensure the parish is filled with music. 

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>

</div>

<div>Carmen has spent a lifetime giving selflessly to others. Now, it is our turn to give back to her.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>While her spirit remains strong, the physical and financial toll of this aggressive illness is heavy. We are raising funds to take the load off Carmen’s shoulders and ensure she is as comfortable as possible.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Your donations will go directly toward:

</div>

<div>•	Essential medical expenses and treatments not fully covered by insurance.

</div>

<div>•	Making Carmen’s home environment comfortable and accessible.

</div>

<div>•	Daily living expenses to relieve financial stress during this fight.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Please join us in supporting a woman whose nature is to love and give endlessly. No donation is too small, and every prayer is deeply appreciated.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>If you know Carmen and she has somehow touched your life, please feel free to share your story (We would love to let her know just how much she is loved!)

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

Margaret Ricciardi

Sarah McKeon

lilly pensa

Peter Detolla

Support for a Teacher, Musician, and Heart of the Community

Still $1,260 to go. Help us build momentum.