Donate in memory of Vito

Many of you know that my nephew, Vittorio “Vito” Mascaro, experienced a sudden epileptic death on Friday, September 16, 2022. Vito was 18 months old at the time of his passing, and though his life was not long in terms of time, he never knew sadness. In his obituary, my sister described him as having “the happiest disposition and best personality” and everyone who knew him agreed. He was an absolute gift and shared joy with everyone he met.

My sister and her husband do not typically use social media, which is one of the reasons I am putting together this fundraiser and sharing this with all of you. Cassondra is one of the most devoted mothers I’ve ever known. She truly gives all of herself to her children, and it has been so special to watch her with them. Getting to be an aunt and having the pleasure of raising my children with her children has been one of the highlights of my life. Her husband Brian is a wonderful father, and the bond he shared with Vito was something very special. He goes out of his way to support his family, friends, and community, and he is the kind of person who helps anyone he can. Cassondra and Brian are also expecting their third child, another son, at the end of October.

Cassondra and Brian have been faced with every parent’s worst fear, the tragic loss of their child. They are grieving all while continuing to navigate parenting their oldest son, Luciano, and preparing for another baby. From writing the obituary to giving the eulogy for her child, my sister has been a pillar of strength, and Brian has been steadfast in his support of her.

The unexpected loss of a child brings about more expenses than most can even imagine, even beyond the initial costs of services and the burial. My hope with this go-fund me is to take some of the financial burden off of them while allowing them to honor Vito in the ways that they wish. This fundraiser is to support them in getting him a headstone and memorial bench as well as castings of his perfect chunky baby feet and hands. It is also to give them a financial cushion that allows them to take time to grieve as well as time to welcome their new baby without worry.

Please share their story and help us uplift this family during a very difficult time.