"Let light shine out of darkness."
-2 Corinthians 4:6
The Gabby Rocco Let It Shine Foundation is a Christ-centered not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that is committed to supporting the physical and spiritual needs of families grieving the loss of a child.
The Foundation is in memory of Gabriella Sharon Rocco who passed away from Neurocutaneous Melanosis in 2008.She was just two years, two months, and two days old. Despite the cruel and incurable disease, Gabby always shined bright with the love and light of the Lord. Inspired by their daughter and God’s faithfulness in their personal grieving, Gabby’s parents, Pete and Joan along with their other daughter Samantha, continue to “Let It Shine”. Through this foundation other bereaved parents and siblings are offered practical support and hope in Christ after the death of their child.
"This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine!
Let it Shine
Let it shine
Let it shine!"
–Harry Dixon Loes
Both our girls delighted in “singing” and dancing to this children’s song. I smiled watching them as I remembered the hand motions I had learned in Sunday school so many years before.
When we discovered how sick Gabby was, the song took on a new meaning. It went from a playful tune, to a powerful stand. No matter what, we had decided to let our little lights shine. Gabriella was our model. The more her own body became a bushel, the brighter she shined. She refused to be even dimmed by disease.
When Gabby died, the darkness closed in around us eager to steal our hope and extinguish our little lights. Holding on to her example, we too refused to let the light be blown out by our grief.
In the pitch black of sorrow, there was a small glow of hope still in our hearts. Like a firefly in the stark night sky, we continued to let the light shine in our heartache, as we anticipated the sunrise once again.
-Joan E. Rocco
*Reflections are currently archived for your convenience in the Notes section of our Face Book page
Let It Shine!!
Supporting Families Grieving a Child
259 Pruyn Hill Road
Mechanicville, NY 12118
(518) 867 • 1559
info@gabbyroccofoundation.org
SCOTCH DOUBLES FUNDRAISER
THANK YOU to all who help in any way to support our latest fundraising event. It was a fun-filled night and together we raised over $1,500! Click here to read more.
PREMATURE BABIES MEMORIAL
November is National Prematurity Awareness Month. We are remembering those babies who have died as a result of complication from being born too soon. We will be praying for the families of these precious children throughout the month of November. You are welcome to add a child’s name to our FaceBook Memorial Wall so we can specifically pray for his or her family.
SIDS & SUID MEMORIAL
October is National SIDS and SUID Awareness Month. Visit our FACEBOOK site to see the SIDS & SUID MEMORIAL WALL in remembrance of children who have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. You are welcome to add a child's name to the wall.
CHILDHOOD CANCER MEMORIAL
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of this we created a MEMORIAL WALL to remember the children of our FB Family who died while waiting for a cure. You can add a child's name or show your support simply by clicking here.
"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK
Join us on Face Book for daily comforting and encouraging quotes, helpful links, and discussions. Also view the In Loving Memory of Our Children photo album. Your support of these families is appreciated. If you would like to have your child included in the memorial, please email us through the link above.
