Ninth Annual Theresa Awards
Theresa - More than Just a Foundation

At the Ninth Annual Theresa Awards, Lizzy Russo shared her thoughts, memories and love for her sister, Theresa. It was been over ten years since Theresa passed away and we are grateful to Lizzy for helping us to remember. Our many supporters who never met Theresa will now get to know her through Lizzy's eyes. - Theresa's Dad

Good evening. Thank you all for coming out tonight. I wanted to take a moment to remember why we're all here. It's quite simple ... we're here because one little girl managed to inspire her parents to start a foundation in her memory to help others. How can one five year old girl do all of this? If you knew her, it would be quite obvious.

It occurred to me last night that it is easy to forget the real reason why we do the things that we do. In preparation for a large evening such as this, there is lots of planning: the food, the tables and the cake. For this one evening it can take months to coordinate. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in it all that we forget to remember why we started in the first place. I know that was the case with me.

Last night I was driving back from my aunt's house where I had gone to pick up my dress for tonight; my aunt had to alter it. On my way home the list of things to do before tonight was running through my head. I had to clean the room, pack, get a manicure and pedicure and finish all of my work for school. Suddenly I was struck with the reality of why I am going home in the first place. To remember. To remember my sister. To remember her spirit.

I realized that Theresa has been gone for twelve years. There are so many supporters of the Foundation that have never met her. A couple of months ago I was frightened by the fact that every day passes I meet more people who never met my sister. More people who have never shared in her smiles or looked into her bright brown eyes.

For me and my family, this Foundation is extremely personal. Theresa Alessandra Russo is my sister, not just a Foundation. People tell me that everything happens for a reason and look, although you lost your sister, some good has come of it, the Foundation. That's when I become slightly selfish. I would give up this foundation in a millisecond to have my sister back. To just once, hold her in my arms and hug her one last time. To say thank you, but that will never happen. A good friend of mine once said, over time it never becomes easier to lose a loved one, it merely becomes different. I completely agree. At times it's easier to talk about the Foundation than to talk about Theresa. That is why I am up here tonight. I was not originally going to speak to everyone, but last night I remembered why we all came out tonight, and that is because of one little girl.

For those of you who never met Theresa I want to take a moment to share her with you. Theresa Alessandra Russo was born with microcephaly and cerebral palsy. She would never walk or talk. In some ways she was a permanent baby. However, she could definitely cry. I know all too well because I shared a room with her. She could also laugh. Her laugh made each day worth waking up for. Sometimes it took over an hour to feed her one bottle. My dad would come home at night after a long day and work and sit with her, patiently, for an entire hour until she had finished the entire bottle. She had a pink wheelchair. She went to school and was picked up in a small yellow bus, just like my brothers and I were. My mom would put outrageous bows in her hair and she had her ears pierced, just like me. Although she couldn't walk, Theresa had small sneakers. They had rosebuds glued on them and some pairs had lace. She was a beautiful little girl. Theresa had enormous brown eyes and she had long eye lashes like her little brother, Robert. Dante and I would shake her really hard and she would laugh this unique laugh. At night sometimes she wore a walkman to sleep. Mom would always put her to bed with the classical station on, but Dad would sneak in after Mom fell asleep and change the station to the classic rock station. She was happy, she was beautiful, she was my sister.

There is so much more I could say about Theresa. I could talk about her forever. Theresa's inner light has not burned out because it burns through the Foundation. It burns still, because of people like you. It burns in the hearts of my parents and my brothers and myself. Theresa has inspired and supported me through my entire life. She is what gives me my drive to help others. She is behind every action that I do. Sometimes it goes unnoticed, but I have it all here in my heart. I would be nothing without my sister. Theresa is my hero.

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AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE 2003 THERESA AWARD RECIPIENT LISA A. GATTI

May 12, 2003

Dear Susan and Vincent,

I am still smiling from two weeks ago ... what an incredible evening and a night I will never forget! Thank you for choosing me as the recipient of the 2003 Theresa Award. I am humbled by the fact that you chose me and as I stated in my speech, I could not have accomplished nearly as much if it wasn't for people like you.

I realize how much manpower, time and hard work it takes to pull off an evening like you did and I must say with all sincerity how very well the entire night went. The facility, the food (despite the fact that i never ate !!!), the raffles, the music and all of the little things that represented the theme of the evening; most importantly, the people !!! What a down to earth, genuine crowd of almost 250. The energy that night was fantastic and it will be a night for many to remember.

Thank you again for the generous donation of $2000.00. Our horses are in desperate need of new equipment, blankets, competition attire and medications to keep them comfortable and sound. The monies will go towards all of the above and many carrots and apples.

In addition, I just wanted to let you know how much I loved working will all of your staff and volunteers especially Father Jim and Alicia. They made me feel comfortable and welcomed any of my million and one questions! I was also extremely impressed by your daughter; she seems like a wonderful young woman and someone who believes in the vision of both Theresa and Pal-O-Mine. It was an honor to meet her.

Again, I thank you for choosing me, believing in our children and for a wonderful experience. I look forward to seeing each other again.

Warm Regards,

Lisa A. Gatti

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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE 2003 NAELA THERESA AWARD RECIPIENT MARY T. SCHMITT SMITH

May 24, 2003

Dear Susan and Vincent,

I am so grateful to both of you and your wonderful care extended family for inviting us to New York and for selecting me as the 2003 Theresa Awardee !! The dinner dance was incredible - great food, people actively and all appropriately focused on "The Theresa Touch." The work of the Foundation is evident - it enriches your Lido Beach community and beyond, Her spirit continues with all of us here in Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills, Michigan!

When your travel plans take you anywhere near Detroit, we'd love to show you around – another Theresa reception.

Warmest regards,

Mary T. Schmitt

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COINS FOR A CAUSE - THE LONG BEACH LINDELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

What a wonderful day – for the Theresa Foundation – to be chosen by the children of Lindell Elementary School as one of three worthy charities from among so many. The children saved their coins for a whole month for "Coins for a Cause." This campaign was highlighted by a gathering of all 600 children of the school for the presentation of the grant awards. I was given an opportunity to share my experiences with our daughter, Theresa, and to let them know how special we all are. My day was made even more memorable when a little boy on the way out of the auditorium gave me a big hug! How precious!

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March 14, 2003

Ms. Karen Sauter, Principal
Lindell Elementary School
601 Lindell Boulevard
Long Beach, New York 11561

Re: Coins for a Cause

Dear Ms. Sauter;

On behalf of the Theresa Foundation, we would like you to thank you and your students for your donation of $408. The presentation of the funds was very special and I was moved by the generosity of the students.

Because of your dedication and faith in our mission, you have helped us to provide the assistance that many children need. The monies have been earmarked for recreation equipment at United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County.

Thank you once again.

Sincerely yours,

Vincent J. Russo

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FRIENDS OF THERESA – A JOY UNFOLDS!

Albert Leonard Middle School
25 Gerada Lane
New Rochelle, New York 10804-3399

3/12/03

Dear Caitlin,

On behalf of the Albert Leonard Middle School Student Council, please accept this check in the amount of $100.00 to the "Theresa Alessandra Russo" foundation. We all agree that foundations such as these will touch the lives of special children through the support of workshops and programs of enrichment and therapy. Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,

ALMS Student Council

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Through the years, we have been blessed by so many friends of Theresa. The Fish family had the chance to know Theresa and to watch her grow up during her short life time. Dan and Sandy Fish have three children, the youngest Caitlin (now 12). She was a little child herself when Theresa passed away. During these ten years, she has learned a lot about Theresa and the Theresa Foundation. It was truly a wonderful thing when she showed up at our door step – gleaming with pride as she presented me with an envelope. She anxiously awaited my opening it. So special – that she would ask her school, Albert Leonard Middle School, to make a grant to the Theresa Foundation, because she knew the funds would be used to help special children. Thank you, Caitlin, and the children of Albert Leonard Middle School.

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We need Your Help in Expanding our
GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAM

Click here to print out a Gift of Life card

Our Gift of Life Program allows you the opportunity to honor in a very special way a loved one by making a donation to the Theresa Foundation. Your donation will allow the Foundation to continue its mission which supports programs in art, music, dance and recreation for children with special needs. A Gift of Life !

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Come Celebrate with Family and Friends! Join Us for THERESA FUN DAY Garden City Bowl 987 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, N.Y. Tel # 516-222-0808 Saturday, October 25, 2003 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. BOWLING Donation: $15 Adults - $10 Children 50/50 RAFFLE $25 per Ticket For Information and Reservations, call (516) 683-1717