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Mancini Family Reaches Out for Help as Fate Deals a Cruel Hand

Jul 30, 2014 12:00PM ● By Marjorie Turner Hollman

Dana Mancini and his daughters (L-R): Emily, Nicole & Vanessa

written by Marjorie Turner Hollman, Bulletin Contributing Writer
Dana and David Mancini, 53-year-old twin brothers, both lifelong Bellingham residents, are very close. They’ve already been through more than most of us may ever have to face—the loss of three of their siblings to cancer, then last year the loss of Dana’s wife, the mother of his three daughters. Dana’s youngest child is only 8 years old.

But now they are facing an, if possible, even bigger challenge. Dana was recently diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and is scheduled shortly to have surgery at Brigham and Women’s hospital to remove one of his lungs. Dana’s brother David is frantic to assure that Dana’s children are cared for, and is reaching out to the community for help. “We’re so thankful for all those who have already reached out to us,” David said. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

A parent’s worst nightmare is feeling unable to care for their children. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is always true, but for the Dana Mancini family, it’s more than a trite phrase. A donation page for the Mancini family has been set up on the “GiveForward” website, which provides free online fundraising pages. This site allows friends and family to raise money directly for a loved one when they need it most. Donations are to help provide for the needs of the Dana Mancini family, and all donations and offers of help are welcome
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It’s impossible to prepare for any and all crises that life may throw at us, but learning how to ask for help when it is truly needed is an important step. We will all need help at some time or another in our lives. It’s what the principle behind the phrase “give it forward” is all about. Not keeping track of who has done what for us, simply knowing that it feels good, and right, to give back, and trusting that when we have a need there will be someone, most probably not the same people, who will step forward to help us in our own time of need. It’s how life works. Right now, it’s time for the Mancini family to receive some help. Our prayers, and more, are with all of them.

To make a donation, visit https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/1q45/dana-mancini-lung-cancer-fund?utm_source=giveforward&utm... or http://GFWD.at/1rmrIGK.
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