Linda with her mother Isabella, a Maurer Foundation volunteer.
It’s so hard to put my mother Isabella into “just words.” My mom is at the core of the foundation of me as a person. She dedicated her life to raising three daughters to have the confidence to believe we could do anything. She sacrificed her own needs and desires and invested in me and my sisters’ future and success. She insisted we get an education and demanded we always give back and be good to others.
It’s really my Mom who influenced my thoughts and approach to raising my own children. Unconditional love, support and encouragement are just a few words that come to mind—that and some fantastic Italian cooking. I pray I am half the mother to my children as she has been to me.
She was so young and my older sister was about to get married [when she was diagnosed with breast cancer]. It forced us to come together as a family and be strong for her when she was usually the strong one for all of us. Because of her diagnosis, my mother has become an advocate for healthy living and early detection. She insists that her friends and family are aware and also disciplined about their checkups. She also volunteers to help spread the word.
My parents have always prioritized helping others. Our family has been very blessed, and it is an honor to be able to share the gifts of time, energy and support to the community for important organizations like The Maurer Foundation. My mom’s enthusiasm to help The Maurer Foundation has been inspiring. She is a tremendous “go-getter” and seeks support from anyone who will listen and be able to offer time or donations. She is a contagious advocate.
And one more thing I would like to add, my mom grew up in a generation when women did not have all the opportunities they have today. She dedicated her life to make sure her three daughters and now her four grandchildren have unlimited opportunities to be great people and succeed. She is an inspiration and I can speak on behalf of my two sisters—we couldn’t be more proud or love her more. And as her granddaughter Christian says, “Isabel Yaccarino rocks!”
Share Your Own Memory
Tell us how much that special woman in your life means to you! When you make a donation in the month of May to support the Foundation’s breast health education programs, we’ll post your tribute on our website and send a copy to the special woman in your life.