SUN CITY – On Sunday, December 5, Neighborhood 24 was filled with the magic of the holiday season. Some could have even said that there was music in the air, and how right they were. Loretta Ragusa and other members of N. 24 spread good cheer as they caroled up and down the street. “This year there were … 14 carolers and they went to … 11 houses,” said Ragusa.
N.24 carolers (left to right) Grant & Linda Jahr, Angie Spicuzza, Barbara Tucker, Linda Coltman, Jackie Mueller, Gail Tepper and Wendy Gallup.
This is the second year that Ragusa and company have caroled in their neighborhood, and each year they collect donations to give to different foundations. Last year they chose to give to the Grafton Township Food Pantry. This year they saw that one of their fellow neighbors, Barb Tucker, was in need, and decided to donate the proceeds of their caroling to The Wendy Larks Foundation.
Wendy Larks was Tucker’s daughter, who tragically passed away when she was 35 years of age from breast cancer. “She became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society for early detection and intervention,” said Tucker. “She really wanted to educate doctors and young people on the importance on [getting] … mammograms.”
N.24 carolers sing yuletide greetings to Carol and Bill Catardi.
The Wendy Larks’ Foundation was created by Wendy’s family and friends in the hopes of educating young people about breast cancer, and helping women already diagnosed cope with their affliction. They have helped these women by opening up two wig shops. “Some women wrote us letters thanking us for the advantage of being able to have a wig and makeup and a chance to feel good about themselves. Many of them even said that they felt more beautiful than before,” said Tucker.
Tucker was extremely grateful for the donations that the carolers were able to collect. “So far, I’ve gotten almost a thousand dollars from my neighborhood … I haven’t even finished counting,” said Tucker. “We have a very generous neighborhood,” said Ragusa.
If you want to help fight breast cancer and protect your loved ones with education, then check out the good work being done by The Wendy Larks’ Foundation.
“Education is my goal,” said Tucker. “You educate one person, you save one life.”
