When Fatima Di Biase was asked to describe her sister Lina Vassallo with 3 words, she hesitated. After all, how can 3 words encapsulate your depth of love for someone who has affected every part of your life and is in your thoughts daily. Someone who is now gone.
Instead of 3 words, Fatima says, “Lina was kind and motherly to all – with a golden heart and a deep love for family, friends and community. And passionate.” These cherished traits of Lina’s motivated and continue to motivate Fatima and Lina’s Dream Team to support the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) through Lina’s Dream.
The journey of Lina’s Dream began when an endowment was set up in Lina’s name to fund breast cancer prevention, early detection and research. Lina’s Dream Team includes close family friend Bob Tattle, Fatima, her husband Rob Bruno and other friends and family. Fatima says, “Our mission from the beginning was to help other women not have to endure the same challenges Lina faced in dealing with breast cancer; that cancer would not cloud families in fear and suffering as it ultimately did her own.”
For over a decade, Lina’s Dream has supported thousands of women through CCS by generously funding innovative research and support programs such as the Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support in Vancouver – and the work will continue as long as breast cancer exists. Fatima says, “CCS truly cares and inspires with the work they do – improving the lives of those affected by cancer. We are more impactful together than as individuals.”
When asked what her hopes are for the future of breast cancer and CCS, Fatima says, “Breast cancer, like any cancer, does not discriminate, striking the young as much as it does the old. I hope to see the day when breast cancer is simply a non-issue in that health prevention is a top priority, comprehensive diagnostics are readily available to accurately assess and quickly identify issues early, and treatment is targeted, non-invasive and leads one to be cured of the illness.” A big dream but one that Canadian women can all hope for. Together.
