Framingham Mom Christine Wyman Rossi Receives National Volunteer Award

Framingham resident Christine Wyman Rossi received the National Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation's Thelma Clack Lifetime Achievement Award, during the 10th Annual OI Unbreakable Spirit event earlier this month.

The Thelma Clack Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to someone who has served the OI community for 10 or more years in the areas of awareness, fundraising, volunteerism/service, advocacy and/or involvement with the OI community. The individual also gives without thought of reward or recognition demonstrating a spirit of willingness to put others before self, as demonstrated by Thelma Clack.

Clack was a parent of a child with osteogenesis imperfecta, who volunteered to do everything possible for the OI Foundation without thought of recognition or reward. After her passing in 1989, an award was created in her honor to be given annually to the volunteer who best exemplifies the qualities of a loyal and dedicated volunteer. 

Rossi, and her extended family, 10 years ago created and since have held annually the Massachusetts Unbreakable Spirit Walk and Family Fun Day to benefit Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

Osteogenesis Imperfecta is characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.” 

A person is born with this disorder and is affected throughout his or her life time. Christina, her son Jack, and other family members have the disease.

Since the Wyman, Rossi and Potorski families started their event a decade ago, they have raised almost $500,000 to help find a cure for Osteogenesis Imperfecta.