Thanksgiving 2011

From InsideLacrosse.com

HEADstrong Foundation Defining The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

PHILADELPHIA,PA-November 24, 2012 will mark the fifth year that the HEADstrong Foundation will serve Thanksgiving dinner to patients undergoing treatment for blood cancer in the Rhodes Pavilion at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. In an effort to bring a glimpse of normalcy to the families whom are sharing the holiday by the sides of their sick loved one, the Foundation will provide a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 2pm-4pm. The HEADstrong Foundation led by the Colleluori family hosts this meal in memory of their son and brother Nicholas Colleluori. The Rhodes Pavilion holds a special place in the hearts of the Colleluori family; it is where they shared their last Thanksgiving with their son, brother and HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori.

After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 19, Nicholas began undergoing treatment at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. It was here at the Rhoades Pavilion that Nick found solace in counseling other patients and became inspired to begin a nonprofit to support the blood cancer community. While undergoing treatments Nicholas worked diligently to build the frame working on which the HEADstrong Foundation currently stands. Providing the comforts of home to the families of the Rhodes Pavilion on Thanksgiving was one of his final requests and a wish that has been fulfilled annually since his untimely passing on November 28, 2006.

The HEADstrong Foundation is aDelawareCountybased non-profit organization that is committed to advocating, fundraising and supporting those affected by blood cancer and those working to eliminating it. Their goal is to raise funds to assist patients, support research efforts towards a cure and create services for improved quality of life for patients and families while battling the disease.

Over the past five years, the Colleluori family and a group of local supporters and blood cancer survivors have prepared and served a traditional Thanksgiving meal for hundreds of patients, families and medical staff. In addition to providing the meal, HEADstrong Foundation President Cheryl Colleluori personally visits with each patient and family to compassionately lend support.