Voices of courage and compassion echoed through the Prima Luna reception hall in Montreal’s Rivière-des-Prairies borough this past weekend. The venue was alive with smiles and determination as a dedicated group gathered for the fifth annual breast cancer fundraiser, rallying behind St. Mary’s Hospital to raise funds for vital treatments and services for women battling the disease.
Rosa Di Paolo, a beacon of strength and resilience, stood at the forefront as the event’s organizer. A fighter in every sense, she shared, “I want to help.” Having devoted 25 years to serving as an operating room coordinator at St. Mary’s Hospital, Di Paolo’s own journey took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with a severe form of stage-three breast cancer in 2015, followed by two subsequent cancer battles.
Reflecting on her past efforts, Di Paolo expressed her hope of surpassing the $45,000 raised in previous years, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to supporting fellow women through their struggles. “You can help other women and you do understand what they’re going through,” she affirmed. “Be strong, fight back, don’t give up, and believe.”
The event also welcomed Dr. Khashayar Esfahani, Di Paolo’s oncologist, who stressed the critical role of early detection in enhancing breast cancer prognosis. Highlighting that one in eight women may face breast cancer in their lifetime, he underscored the significance of identifying the disease early to boost the chances of successful treatment outcomes.
Emphasizing advancements in screening techniques and medications, Dr. Esfahani emphasized the importance of halting the cancer’s progression before it reaches advanced stages. “Early detection is key in ensuring more individuals can lead healthy lives,” he stated.
Supporting Di Paolo’s unwavering dedication was Giovanna Giordano, director general of Casa d’Italia, who served as the event’s honorary chair for the third consecutive year. Praising Di Paolo’s positivity and resilience, Giordano remarked, “She is an example for everybody.”
For Di Paolo, her journey is defined by a commitment to spreading joy and hope amid adversity. “I choose to smile, to cherish life, to lend a listening ear, and to offer my presence,” she shared. “My mission is to inspire hope, and I will continue to do so.”
