Celebration and Remembrance of Lia DiFronzo's Life

The 2nd Family Fun Event celebrating Lia DiFronzo's life will be held Thursday July 28, 2011 from 7-11pm at the , 1880 Main St.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund and will feature opportunity drawings, refreshments, a DJ and dancing.

Lia, daughter of Rick and Laura DiFronzo and sister of Rico, 13, succumbed to a rare form of Leukemia in the Fall of 2008, after courageously fighting the disease for two and a half years.

According to her father, Lia's life was full of challenges. She was born with a heart defect and had four operations early in her life. After her Leukemia was diagnosed when at 6 years old, she had two bone marrow transplants, one from her older brother, as well as numerous treatments.

In spite of her illness, DiFronzo said, "You couldn't keep her down." She was an active girl who was involved in figure skating, hockey and soccer.

When Lia was 7, she was chosen by the Jimmy Fund to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game. An avid Sox fan, she met Tim Wakefield who gave her tips on throwing a knuckleball.

Both the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber played an active role in helping the family during Lia's illness. For two Boston Marathons, runner Jennifer Saucier from Derry, NH was paired with Lia as part of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge. During the first year, Lia ran the last mile with Saucier. The second year, Rico ran the last mile for his sister who was unable to do it.

According to DiFronzo, it was Lia's idea to participate in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk held September, 2008. Known as Lia's Army, 20 friends and family walked to 3-26 miles to raise money for the Jimmy Fund.

But it was her brother Rico, according to DiFronzo, who last year wanted to do something more to keep his sister's memory alive, as well as raise money for the Jimmy Fund. 

"Lia loved to dance and was known for her dance parties at Children's Hospital with the nurses. The family fun event was a way for Rico to invite her friends and his to a dance party," DiFronzo said. 

Due to the success last year's celebration, the family wanted to repeat it for a second year. "It was an opportunity for us to raise money, and at the same time get people together who were touched by Lia," DiFronzo explained. 

The Tewksbury Country Club again donated the hall, and Lia's Army members were able to procure signed autographs, gift baskets and gift certificates for opportunity drawings.

During Lia's stays in the hospital, she discovered her artistic side according to DiFronzo. The rainbow on the event flyer is one of her paintings.

The cost of the tickets are $10 adults and $5 for children ages 6-13. Children under five are free. Adult tickets purchased at the door are $15.

Those wanting to purchase tickets or make a donation, can contact Laura or Rico DiFronzo at 978-988-9219 or ridifronzo@verizon.net or event co-captain Anne Johnson, 781-608-2061.