Excerpts from the Recognition Dinner 2013, Our Honorees - Mattia Terranova

This annual event is based on our motto, inspire, empower and strengthen, with each honoree representing one of the three words, but just like Evelyn Knapp (our inspiration) each honoree, past and present, bears all these aspects.

 

~Mattia Terranova~

 

Inspire, to fill with enlivening emotion, to affect and guide, to stimulate to action, to motivate...these words clearly describe Mattia!  

Mattia was introduced to SFL just before our retreat inSept 2012. Although she was hesitant to join in, she accompanied her friend and that’s where divine intervention stepped in.  

Each wellness retreat has its own personality and Mattia shaped the Sept. retreat. As most of us all know, she is one of a kind.  

If their was a participant that was shy or a bit reserved they were loosened up by Mattia’s personality. She was able to set the tone for the day and helped make that particular retreat one of our most memorable.  

Soon after the retreat and moved by the story of Strength for Life, Mattia became our voice to the medical community and others.  

She is passionate about being an advocate and inspires others who are living through a cancer diagnosis. Her mission is to educate newly diagnosed on what to expect in treatment and post treatment. She sees that there is lack of important information being provided and her focus is to bridge that gap making it easier for other who embark on their cancer journey.  

Mattia is outgoing - to say the least- and relentless is a term we feel describes her when she believes in something. 

The Doctors here can attest to that statement and so can half the business in Smithtown!!  

In between daily radiation treatment she worked her tail off for this event and we are so grateful for that!  

We see Mattia as a leader to others in this battle.  

Since her diagnosis is still new, treatment is still ongoing, she is determined not let the chemo, surgery or radiation hold her back, in fact just 2 weeks after surgery she was back in class.  

She did what she could and worked the muscles that she was able too, yet an example of how she inspires and uplifts those around her.  

And top it all off she will crack you up! She is so funny and will have you laughing in no time!!  

Mattia is the light in the class and the breathe too!  

Thank you, Mattia, for stepping out of your comfort zone and coming to our retreat, you have greatly enhanced Strength for Life and the lives of all those around you.