Hello All … For those of you who know me, I'm not someone who writes extensively on Facebook or via email but something has happened and I need your help… My little sister Lisa DelGuidice (ok, she is taller than me but she will always be my little sister) has had one hell of a year. We have had some incredible highs, celebrating Lisa’s 50th birthday in Hawaii, thyroid surgery that was negative for cancer (first a low than a high), her dearest friend Gina finally moving down to Florida, and now after a routine mammography and biopsy, now Breast Cancer (low but since it was found very, very early, it’s a very treatable high).

So now Lisa is facing several surgeries and more out of pocket expenses. Did you know that most people who declare bankruptcy do so because of medical bills? Although Lisa's medical benefits are good, the out of pocket maximums are quite high. She will have to pay out over $8,000 this year and another $8,0000 next year to reach 100% of her plan benefits. Sadly, some people live on that. I am heartbroken because Lisa is so understandably overwhelmed by these expenses. She has a long road ahead with atleast 3 surgeries so she needs to FOCUS on recovering after her surgery and not wondering how to stay afloat financially with this MUCH unexpected medical burden. As her big sister, I only want goodness and light for her. It is bad enough that she has now joined "The Cancer Club" but we can all try to make her "membership" a little easier. I should have made the rules that NO little sisters are allowed in this damn club!

How can you help?
• Donate to the “Go Fund Me” campaign we’ve set up
• Send a Publix gift card for groceries (Mom and Gina will be making her favorite meals because we all know how fussy she can be … Love you Lisa!)
• Restaurant gift card for when Lisa just needs to “get out of the house” during her recuperation
• VISA or AmEx gift card that can help with other expenses like medications and supplies at CVS (or some Malibu when her doctor gives her the OK to drink)
• Send her a check

Just for the record, Lisa is a little uncomfortable with this and it’s been a battle to get her to agree to this (You know those little sisters!). She said: “I just reached out to 250+ people asking them for donations to support YOUR cancer with "Light the Night". How can I turn around and ask for money again? This is embarrassing and humiliating”. Let's be honest: Cancer SUCKS and it is expensive, Hey I know, I stayed at a job I hated so I could get my cancer drugs for free! Do you ever think you will be buried in medical bills? NO!!!! It’s a terrible feeling to feel helpless when you wish you could wave a magic wand and take away someone’s pain and suffering but sadly, we can’t wave that magic wand. Hell, if we could wave that wand, I would be cancer-free as well and then be a super Model!

I will be heading down to Florida to take care of Lisa because I’m not only her sister but I’m an Oncology Nurse AND a 2-time Cancer Survivor myself (yeah me!) so I know a thing or two about this. Through all the love, support, encouragement, well wishes and prayers coming Lisa’s way, I know she will come out of this stronger than ever. It’s a rough road ahead, both physically and emotionally, but remember her motto: “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger”. You can’t keep tough Italians from NY down!

So many were a part of this: Mama Del, Bob and Karen, Patty, Judy, Gina and me.  We wanted to do something to help ease Lisa's fears and worries and this was the right path.  Thank you for for your support of "Team Rosemary" and for now being part of “Team Lisa Del”. One day, very soon, we WILL find a cure for cancer so "Team Rosemary" and "Team Lisa Del" can focus on more important things ... like becoming those cancer-free Super Models.