"Let light shine out of darkness."
-2 Corinthians 4:6
The Gabby Rocco Let It Shine Foundation is a Christ-centered not-for-profit 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 Rocco who passed away from Neurocutaneous Melanosis in 2008. She was just two years old. Despite the 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 continue to “Let It Shine”. Through this foundation other bereaved parents are offered practical support and hope in Christ after the loss 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.
Let It Shine!
Supporting Families Grieving a Child
259 Pruyn Hill Road
Mechanicville, NY 12118
(518) 867 • 1559
info@gabbyroccofoundation.org
We are pleased to announce that the Gabby Rocco Let It Shine Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supporting families in the area communities. Relying donations, fundraising, grants, and volunteers, the Foundation supports the physical and spiritual needs of bereaved families who have lost a child. An application for 501(c)(3) is being filled with IRS to make contributions tax deductable.
The website is still being developed. Check back for grief support resources, fundraising, events, and weekly reflections.
