"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
2ND ANNUAL SCOTCH DOUBLES BOWLING
Join us at Hometown Lanes in Mechanicville on February 16, 2013 @ 9:30pm to have fun and help the Foundation raise money to support our mission. $20 per couple (3 couples per lane). Prizes, raffles, and our t-shirts and sweatshirts will be available. Call Dave DeCelle to reserve your lane or for more information: 376-4516.
GABBY'S PURPLE MANIACS DONATE
Thank you to GABBY'S PURPLE MANIACS for their $1,600 donation. The MANIACS raised awareness and money for the Foundation as they prepared and participated in the Adirondack Ragnar Relay. The twelve runners ran in relay from Saratoga Springs, NY to Lake Placid, NY. They ran the 200 mile race continually for 33 hours with the support of their drivers and medics. We appreciate all of their support!
(Runners: Marie Abraham, Dave DeCelle, Lou Rocco, Erin Rocco, Ann Gaetano, John LaVigne, Danielle Erno, Steve Grassmann, Joan Rocco, John Bolton, Keith West, Pam Bisaillon. Not pictured: Drivers Barb McGuire and Mark Bisaillon; Medics Suzie DeCelle and Marybeth Martone)
RUNNING TO REMEMBER
TEAM GABBY GABS participates in regional running races. There are over 25 athletes on the team ranging from first year runners to life-long competitors, but they all have the same goal: Raise awareness of our Foundation and Remember the children our families are grieving. After putting on the Purple, they proudly place a remembrance photo badge on their shirts. Each badge includes a picture of the child and his or her name. The runners are eager to share the story of that child they're "Running to Remember". (Photo: Some of the members of Team Gabby Gabs before the Firecracker 4 race in Saratoga Springs on July 4, 2012).
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