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Read below about Willa, daughter of Tina Carpenteri - co-owner of Garden Catering and her cancer journey:

In May of 2023, Willa was diagnosed with Leukemia, specifically B Cell ALL.  Many of you have followed along  and supported us through this difficult time.  As we enter 2025, we want to cheer on Willa as she enters her last several months of treatment.  Willa is set to Ring the Bell in late July of this year.  Ringing the bell is a practice seen in cancer treatment centers after a successful end to chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer patients ring the bell three times to signify new beginnings, and a stage of life left behind.Over the past few years, our family has received support not only from family members, friends and the local community, but from local organizations that specialize in supporting families through the pediatric cancer process. 

Circle of Care is a non-profit organization providing practical, emotional and financial support to local families directly affected by pediatric cancer. Founded in 2003, Circle of Care was born from the experiences of parents of pediatric cancer patients who wanted to help make the journey easier for families that would follow their path. Twenty years later, Circle of Care has become a leading pediatric cancer support organization serving over 3,500 families in our community and providing over $5M in program services. We serve CT families as well as families receiving treatment at our partner hospitals in Westchester, NY and Springfield, MA. 

This year Willa was granted a room makeover through the Circle or Care’s Art from the Heart program.  A local high school student created a team and raised funds to transform Willa’s room into a room fit for a Queen.  A mural of a princess castle is the focal point of the room along with a Queen-sized bed with a canopy.  

LivFree provides moments of JOY to kids and families fighting pediatric cancer by sending them to family friendly events/venues to take a break and enjoy quality family time.  We help families have something to look forward to during the toughest times. On average, it costs $1,500 per Moment of Joy experience.

As her moment of joy, Willa was gifted tickets to see The Lion King on Broadway.  This was the perfect way to celebrate her and Garrett’s birthday.   Along with her mom and uncle, Willa and Garrett were able to tour the set and take pictures with the performers.   Truly a day to remember!

Every 15 minutes, 50 Americans are diagnosed with cancer. This is a sobering reality. But, the good news is that every year millions of Americans are beating cancer through advancements in treatments. Swim Across America, the official charity for swimmers, exists to raise money for our network of doctors and researchers who are the pioneers developing new cures and treatments to this dreaded disease. Michael Phelps and over 100 Olympians support SAA. 

This past year the Swim Across America Fairfield County Chapter introduced a “Kids Splash” and to honor Willa, they named the inaugural event after her- “Queen Willa’s Kids Splash.”  They invited her onstage and crowned her and then all the children followed as she led them down to the beach.  They then swam to a giant inflatable flamingo in the long island sound.  The crowd cheered them on and then the kids all got a front row seat to watch as the adult swimmers took off into the sound.