A Shelton restaurant is giving back to two Shelton families Monday, Dec. 16.
"A benefit has been set up to show love and support to two local families who are in desperate need this holiday season," said Kelly Calandro, one of the owners of Verace Pizzeria, Tavern & Italian Eatery, on Center Street.
The fundraiser will be held Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.
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"Bella (age 2) and Ava (11 months) were each born with only half of a heart. To keep their conditions stable, both children will need to go through very serious surgeries by the time they are three years of age. As these sweet and innocent children look to the future, there is the possibility that both will require a heart transplant," Calandro said.
"The Fortunato Family is dealing with the shock that their 11-year-old son’s cancer has returned. Grace and Anthony Fortunato’s son, Dylan, has been battling cancer since he was 6 years old.
"Dylan is compassionate, caring, and full of love who is always concerned about others, looking to love and protect many other sick children in the community," she added.
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The restauranteur said Dylan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on Feb. 10, 2007. After the treatment regimen, he was told it would have to be repeated.
"Despite such a major setback, he never lost his hope. His bravery, determination and loving heart brought him through the second round, and, after over six years of active treatment and remission he is fighting again."
"He is always the first one playing with the smaller heroes who look up to him. He is the one they seek comfort from. May we all live by the example Dylan has set: love hard and fight on. Thank you, Dylan," Calandro said.
There will be a candy buffet supplied by Nikki's Candy Shop, Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, Live Entertainment, Family Portraits and Dessert bar. Tickets are $50 per person with all proceeds being split evenly between the two families.
Tickets can be purchased at A Touch of Color Make-up Studio and Huntington Rental Center, both in the White Hills Shopping Center.
For more information on the families, or to inquire about tickets, log onto Facebook under “Hope and Healing for the Corbesato and Fortunato Family Benefit” (http://www.facebook.com/events/481610795288060).
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