“Life is a gift which needs to be lived out fully and never to be taken for granted.”

Words to live by. A phrase which takes a moment to read but will leave you believing that every minute of every day is precious. These timeless words were told to me by my brother John. John Colacci is my 43 year old brother, happily married with three children, who has been fighting for more time with his family and friends. Hello, my name is Lina Fernandez and above is a picture of my brother John and his beautiful family. John was diagnosed with colon cancer which has metastasized to his liver.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada, with 8,900 people projected to die of the disease this year. More than 21,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year according to Canadian Cancer Society figures. John has been my inspiration and my best friend, but lately he has become my hero too. I have witnessed first hand his battle with this disease. His joie de vivre has helped make his battle with cancer more tolerable despite all of its’ horrible side effects. He hopes to one day conquer its devastating effects…for good!

Until mid-April, John had been receiving treatment which cost the Ontario government more than $200-thousand (US) for his treatment. At one point, John said, “It literally melted it away!” Unfortunately, it didn’t completely wash out the cancer. Now John has been prescribed a different drug, Avastin, which he must pay for himself out of pocket because it is not funded in Ontario.

“To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." - Clara Ortega

My family and I would like you to join us on Friday August 1st, 2008 @ Le Jardin Special Events Centre (Hwy 27 & Langstaff) to celebrate life! Join us for the FUNKY TOWN DISCO GALA - A Fundraiser in honor of John Colacci. Tickets are $100.00ea (include sit-down dinner, open bar, door prizes, silent auction, great music and much more). Monies raised will help defer the cost of the drug treatment. Corporate donations are welcome and can be addressed to either John Colacci or myself Lina Fernandez - 36 Grandvista Crescent, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4H 3G5. For any other inquiries please feel free to call me at 647-241-8815.

On behalf of my family, I would like to extend a sincere thank-you for your support & kindness. We look forward to spending valuable time with you on Friday August 1st!