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C4 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday A p ril 2, 2003 Christian was an inspiration Disabled boy cared for at home By Vinnie DiRollo SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER On Feb. 7, 2003 after nine long years of battling a rare brain defect, Christian DiRollo passed away. Many have spoken of Christian in a way that in today's society would not only be heard of but miraculous, because after all who believes in miracles? Miracles were only heard of in the time of Jesus and not in the 21 st century. A young lady by the name of Kirstin Valles had to write a school paper choosing Christian as her inspi ration. Now, how can a baby be an inspira tion to someone as young as Kristen, who was 14 at the time when she wrote this paper? Kirstin wrote: AN ANGEL AMONG US Children are sometimes the best teachers. One of them has been an inspiration in my life; he has shown me that I am. as we all are, one of the luckiest people in the world; not only to be alive, but to have him in my life. Christian DiRollo was a child that brought me to tears of happiness and sorrow. When Christian was born in 1993, he was diagnosed with a rare brain disease that in turn left him blind, and unable to perform many basic functions we take fo r granted. As a seven-year old at that time, I thought that Christian was a normal baby, and since I love to be around children and babies, I naturally had an gift o f God, brought into the world to help us understand how fortunate and blessed we all are, and to help us on the journey of life that is out there waiting fo r us. This beautiful child is one who has brought meaning to all of our lives and has touched the lives of many in an almost indescribable way. I know Christian will always hold a place in my heart, whether he is here on Earth or in the beauty' and serenity> o f Heaven. God has blessed me and many others with this beautiful gift. I can honestly say that I would have On Saturday April 26, Christian's Dream Foundation, formed after the death of been a different person without him in Christian DiRollo, will be holding a Dinner/Dance/Silent Auction at the Burlington my life, and I thank God fo r having put Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Dr. north of the QEW. to help build Rose this child in the world to help me see Cherry's Home. The evening will feature entertainment by The Mojo's, Bulldog the true beauty· we all hold within. If anyone ever asked Vinnie how she Productions, plus comic and vocalist impressionist Dave La Fame. dealt with this situation, she would Dress is semi-formal. The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., fol reply, "Although Christian had no lowed by a sit-down dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $85 each. Income tax receipts for $45 each will be issued for every knowledge, he has taught me more ticket sold. To reserve tickets, call Marisa Bucciarelli at 905-847-9653. Tickets are than a textbook ever could. And though he had no sight what he s allowed me also available at Vinnie's Cafd, 241 6 Lakeshore Rd. W,, in Bronte. To donate items for the auction, call Rose Strong at 905 -4 69 -8 72 6 or John to see I couldn '/ have seen twice in a lifetime." DiRollo, corporate sponsor, 905-624-4732. attraction towards him. It wasn t until later in his life that I realized something wasn't right. My mom never told me that something was wrong with him, and I don '/ blame her. The year Christian was bom was the same year my dad passed away; 1993 has proven to be a special year fo r me. Christian has surpassed the hopes and dreams we all held fo r him. Considering the doctors only gave him a year or two to live, he has truly shown them that all you need to sur vive is a little TLC (tender loving care). Every time I visited Christian and his family, I felt blessed to be alive, and living an almost unrestricted life. When I used to hear about his con dition. I felt like a part o f me was given to him, a little bit of hope, and so long as that hope remained, he would too. His mom, Vinnie DiRollo, always said never give up hope, because when you give up hope, you give it all up. Although I knew the day of sorrow would arrive, the times I knew Christian was alive always brought me one of those warm tingly feelings. My hope has never died, but allowed me to see the heart and soul o f all children with disabilities, strengthening my love fo r all people and the little things we all bring to life. He has truly left an impression in my heart, and / am sure he has left in all of yours. Christian is more then beautiful. He is an inspiration to all of us to keep on fighting. He was placed on Earth as a Peter J. Thompson · Oakville Beaver File Photo C h ristian DiRollo received frequent hugs from his o ld er b ro th e r G abriel. C h ristian died Feb. 7 at age nine. I believe that God has a purpose for us all here on Earth, and Christian' s was quite clear. Kirsten was not the only one who saw and felt Christian in this way. Many o f my friends, family and strangers also felt Christian in this way. As you showered me with well wishes and support during the hardest time in my life, it could only mean that Christian is an angel in your heart also. 1 thank every one of you for caring and being there for us. As the role o f a mother you are the teacher and the mentor and your child is the student learning about life. Well, that was not the case with Christian: he was my teacher and I the student, and with his rare brain disease - though he had no knowledge - he taught me what no textbook could teach me and with no eyesight he taught me how to see. Christian taught me how to be hum ble and tolerant, he taught me.how to accept disappointments and accom Christian's Dream Foundation hosts Rose Cherry's Home gala plishments, he taught me patience and love, but most of all he taught me how to live and live life to the fullest. It is my turn to be the teacher and hopefully pass on his lessons of life to others. 1 will take all of his teachings and help build a Children's Hospice and Respite Centre in Halton called Rose Cherry's Home. As you can all imagine life was not simple and easy for our family. Many times 1 wished there was a place like Rose Cherry's Home to go to for some relief. Rose Cherry's Home is a Children's Hospice and Respite Centre for chroni cally and terminally ill children and their families where they will be safe and have competent nursing care deliv ered in a home-like setting. Through Christian's Dream Foundation we will gather our strength to help build this home. 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