The Rocca Sisters Blog

Burlington Post – May 2013

Having raised us in a strict Italian Irish Roman Catholic home, our mom’s mission was to bring up three happy, loving and successful children – she succeeded. She committed her life to us and we were blessed to be part of our parents’ loving devotion for their 45 years of marriage.

Joan was a remarkable role model, putting others ahead of herself, always giving and less concerned about the return. She loved people, taking time to make their day special. Her smile and bubbly personality was contagious. She saw the world through unique eyes and her passion for nature and animals was defined by a rare understanding of God’s miracles in all of this. She was fascinated with exploring and enjoying the simple things in life, and in this, found her peace. She was an inspiration to those who knew her and that inspiration still lives on.

We cherish the years we had with our mom and like everyone who loses a loved one, our time was cut much too short. We yearn to embrace her each and every day.

In May of 2004, our mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer by chance during a routine check-up. Like most women who suffer from Ovarian Cancer, even when detected early, only 50% of them have a year to live. Mom’s cancer was already at stage 3 to 4. In true character, with her great determination and strong faith she fought hard for five years and gave us her best.

Our love for our mom, and her courage, has inspired us to reach out to those in our community who have lived with, or are living with cancer. Women like our mom, families like ours.

On Saturday, June 8th we will be hosting the Healing for Women’s Cancers 5 & 10K Walk/Run at Bronte Provincial Park in support of Breast Cancer Support Services, and in memory of our mother. If you would like to join us in our desire to educate others, raise awareness and help continue research for a cure, visit the Events section of our website for race and registration details. Help us raise awareness through our Facebook contest, Facebook.com/RoccaSisters, for the chance to win a $200 Running Room gift card.
From our family to yours, we would like to wish all of the amazing mothers in the world a very happy Mother’s Day.