Longtime Cancer Council supporter Mario left an extraordinary gift in his Will in honour of his wife, Deb, who died from breast cancer.
Mario and Deb first connected with Cancer Council when Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. Throughout her treatment, they relied heavily on our information and support services. Mario often said that whenever Deb needed support or information, her first call was to Cancer Council. That care and kindness stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Their relationship was marked by love, resilience and shared challenges. Early in their time together, Deb had a breast cyst removed, and not long after, Mario was diagnosed with MS. He once recounted how he offered Deb the chance to walk away because of the burden his illness might bring. She simply told him, "No, we'll work it out", a moment he often described as a defining expression of her character.
When Deb's cancer returned in 2010, she faced it with determination, but sadly died in 2012. Mario missed her deeply and continued to honour her memory in the years that followed.
Mario passed away in 2022, 10 years after Deb's death, leaving a significant gift in his Will to Cancer Council NSW. He believed strongly in the progress of cancer research, often talking about how treatments had advanced dramatically over the previous 20 years. He hoped that one day a cancer diagnosis might be met with simpler, more effective treatment, and wanted his gift to help bring that future closer. He also hoped it would support people facing cancer through research, improved treatments, counselling and other necessary services.
Mario's remarkable generosity will help support people affected by cancer for years to come. We are honoured to recognise both Mario and Deb, and grateful that their legacy will continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
