On March 14th, 2011, Vito and Sandra Bigioni announced they have raised $1 million for respite care programs at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for children with disabilities and their families.
They did it! They met their $1 million goal, but the demand for respite care programs continues. Please give generously to ensure children with disabilities and their families will always have access to respite care programs at Holland Bloorview.
Vito Bigioni is a parent on a mission! He is trying to funds for Holland Bloorview’s Family Support respite care programs via the Foundation’s personalized fundraising page at www.bigioni.giftsofpossibility.ca. It seems like a daunting task, but every morning Vito’s inspiration is reinforced when he sees his beautiful daughter.
Vito is the father of Emily, a young girl who was born with a brain condition known as pachygyria, which is similar to cerebral palsy. The Bigioni family have been coming to Holland Bloorview for 14 years and use many of the respite care programs. Even though Emily doesn’t communicate verbally, it is clear to her parents that the 15-year-old loves to come to Holland Bloorview.
“Emily is now 15 years old and doesn’t talk, but her smile tells it all. Thanks to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, when she is there, we know she is happy. Emily has attended numerous programs over her life at Holland Bloorview. Every single one of these programs allows her to grow artistically, socially, physically and mentally. There are no boundaries - the possibilities are endless!” Vito Bigioni
Emily is an artist so every week she attends art class at Holland Bloorview. She
is very creative and Holland Bloorview’s art program allows her to tap into and express her artistic talent. This weekly art program provides the Bigioni family, and families like them, with short-term rest and relief from the physical and emotional demands of caring for a child with a disability.
Holland Bloorview’s respite programs provide both high quality medical care and recreation activities for children, so that families feel comfortable taking a break knowing that their child is receiving excellent care in a safe and stimulating environment. However, the demand for respite services at Holland Bloorview outstrips the current resources.
When Vito learned that Emily’s favourite March Break respite camp was in jeopardy, he swung into high gear to ensure that his daughter and other kids had the opportunity to attend these important fun filled interactive camps.
Vito is committed to raising awareness about the importance of respite and continues to fundraise to ensure respite care programs at Holland Bloorview are funded in perpetuity. To date, Vito has generated over $1 million for Holland Bloorview’s Respite programs. To make a donation, or if you would like to learn more about Vito’s fundraising, please visit: www.bigioni.giftsofpossibility.ca
