Let’s Go Girl

Both Sabrina and Camillo’s favorite singer was none other than Shania Twain. Their favorite song was “Let’s Go Girl”. Shania’s songs were the ones they enjoyed listening to the most. Sabrina began singing Shania songs from the age of 2 years old. She would sing into her microphone and wanted to be videotaped. Memories we will always cherish.

During Camillo’s stay at the hospital he would constantly watch videotapes of all her concerts and TV specials. Everyone on the hematology/oncology ward knew Camillo adored Shania. There was one nurse in I.C.U. whom Camillo took an instant liking to. She asked him one day if he would like to watch television and if there were some specific videos he wanted to see. She gave him a few suggestions such as Barney or Bob The Builder. He looked at her and asked “Do you have Shania Twain?” The nurse was quite bewildered because she was unaware that there was a cartoon about Shania. We explained to the nurse there was not a cartoon version of Shania he wanted Shania live.

We can attest to the fact that Camillo was Shania Twain’s youngest fan. She was his inspiration and her music picked him up when he was really down. Her music brought immense peace, laughter and joy to both Sabrina and Camillo.

Above is a small glimpse of these two very special children. It was their continuous, contagious smile that motivates us to put smiles on other children’s faces.

– Mommy

Sabrina - Social Butterfly

It always draws a smile to my face when I think back upon Sabrina's visit to our house. "Little Miss Social Butterfly" made no secret that she loved to have a busy social agenda. She even came prepared with a plan and a scenario. Not finding us very forthcoming with invitations to our house, she obliged. During a phone conversation, she waited to be out of sounds way from her parents, and in a loud whisper said quite candidly: ”I’m free for supper tomorrow." She continued by saying " My daddy can drop me off at your house ... he won't come in ... he will leave and I will stay for supper with you guys. Later on my daddy will come and pick me up and you can give him a coffee."

When Sabrina came to our house for an afternoon of swimming, she was very anxious to try the diving board for the first time. Nervous but excited, she took her time for the first jump. She made sure Louis was waiting just below in the water to catch her. She was so proud of herself after that first jump. Many more followed with the same scenario.

She soon mastered her diving technique ... so much so that Louis, although still required to wait nearby in the pool, no longer seemed to serve as lifeguard but rather as a second phase to diving board. Sabrina would perform one jump off the board followed by a second off of Louis’s chest. After about 20 minutes, Sabrina insisted she didn't need a break. Louis, however, emerged from the pool looking a little tired, holding his stomach and chest. He observed that she had a pair of strong legs for her size and thought he had been "winded."

After an afternoon of swimming at our house Sabrina decided to go inside to use the bathroom. Several minutes went by and Sabrina had not returned so I went to find her. I noticed that all the bottom kitchen cabinet doors were opened and Sabrina was standing nearby. I commented aloud:

"Gee, I don't remember having opened all these cabinet doors."

Sabrina then replied very nonchalantly,
"Oh no Nevine, I opened them. I wanted to see what you have."

These memories forever bring a smile to our faces and warmth in our hearts. They capture the pure essence and joy that Sabrina spread with ease and grace.

– Nevine and Louis, friends

Sabrina

Like all little girls Sabrina loved shoes. I’m not just talking about children’s shoes. She loved wearing grown-up shoes, especially high-heeled pumps. You would not believe your eyes to see how well she walked in them. The funniest time was when she begged me to try on my wedding pumps. Here was a little six year old putting her tiny feet into my size “8” shoe. Her feet simply fit in the “sole” part of the shoe. She was ecstatic because according to her they fit “perfectly”. Like a real girl she looked at me and said “they’re beautiful” and strutted around in 3 ½” heels like a pro.

As far as my most memorable moments with her, Sabrina used to love to go shopping. Now, shopping for a little girl did not have the same meaning as it did for me. She would sing Ricky Martin songs all the way to the mall and once there, she would convince me to rent a “lion stroller” at Frisco’s. After window shopping for approximately five minutes, she would say “I’m hungry”. Her usual was pizza and fries. Just when her tummy would be full she’d say “I’m finished. Can we go home now?” When I’d ask her about the shopping she’d say “We did shop….I had pizza!”

– Aunt Mimi

Camillo - Racecar Driver

Camillo was sent home for Christmas in 2002. We were all so excited that he would spend time in his own home with his family.

One beautiful snowy day, Camillo decided to take his huge battery operated jeep out. His mom asked me to stay with him, so I did. Before he began driving I told him: “Camillo, Auntie feels more comfortable if you drive slowly, O.K?” He was a boy of few words yet his eyes spoke a thousand words. As I waited for an acknowledgement, he looked up at me with his gorgeous, big blue eyes, sneaky smile and jolted off right past me. He had his left hand on the steering wheel and the right hand on the gear. I nervously called his name while running after him “Camillo, Camillo, slow down!” He kept looking back and smiling.

He drove that jeep like a pro. Finally, as I caught up with him, he quickly changed gears into reverse and I lost him again. Nothing would stop him. He was going up and down slopes, forward, backwards, and yes, the whole time I was chasing him. I really believe Camillo had more fun with me chasing him that day than actually driving his jeep. Anyway, I enjoyed every second of it even though I was warned he would hurt himself if he was not careful.

Once more, Camillo’s self confidence came through. I was so proud of him and I will always be proud of him. He will continue to be an inspiration for all those who knew him.

– Auntie Antoinette

Sabrina - Living Life to the Fullest

There are many things adults can learn from children. One characteristic that stands out with Sabrina, and one that we can learn from, is her joy of life and how she lived life to the fullest. We were flipping through family albums and in all of Sabrina’s pictures, all we see is pure joy, happiness, a smile and true energy that radiates in each picture

While Camillo was in the hospital, Sabrina was invited to the movies with Marina, John and their parents Jimmy and Ana. On their return from the movies, Ana and Jimmy dropped Sabrina off at the hospital. Jimmy was amazed at Sabrina’s spirit. We asked him “What happened?” He recounted that while watching the movie “Country Bears”, the band in the movie started singing “Kick it into Gear”. Jimmy said next thing you knew, he looks over and sees Sabrina standing on her chair dancing and singing “Kick it into Gear” and she later encouraged John and Marina to do the same. He was amazed at her enthusiasm, her energy and her love of life. As he was telling us this story all we could say was “We have seen this her whole life, that’s our Sabrina!”

– Daddy

Camillo

If you were to ask me what I remember most about Camillo, I would have to say his strength, joy, boldness, love and kindness. These qualities were forever present in everything he did. I‘ll never forget our apple picking trip with his classmates. The whole time he held my hand as if to say I’ll take care of you even though you don’t know any of my friends.

His warm silly sense of humour was apparent the time he saw Jean’s new haircut. Any other child would have said “you look funny”, but not Camillo. He simply put his little hands in front of his mouth and chuckled without saying a word.

He never asked me for anything except for Nutcrackers and Volkswagen Beetles. He loved most to have his back rubbed and sung to. Even when my voice cracked and I would apologize he would say “It’s okay, you have a beautiful voice”.

Camillo was a determined little being who had a zest for life and never complained. He had a contagious laugh infecting all those around him. He was wise beyond his years. Ready to speak boldness and innocence.

– Auntie Mimi

Cousins Climbing Trees

One winter day at Nonna Nella’s, Sabrina, Camillo me and Michael played outside and climbed the next door neighbor’s tree. I fell off, Sabrina fell off, and Michael fell off. Camillo did not fall off because he was the only one who did not climb the tree and it was the best day ever. The end.

– Peter Taddeo, 10 years old
Sabrina and Camillo’s cousin

Sabrina in Charge

Sabrina loved to be busy. She loved having everything planned and she knew exactly what was going on with everyone. Whenever Sabrina would come over and there happened to be a change in plans, she instantly knew if I was undecided about whether or not she would be allowed to participate. Even before I could make a decision she would say: ” Auntie, its o.k. I will call my daddy and he will say yes. It’s o.k. I will tell him what I am going to do. It’s o.k.” After making a call to her daddy in private, she should would pass me the phone with an extended arm, a tilt of her head, a little smile and a twinkle in her eyes and say: “Auntie, daddy wants to talk to you.“ While whispering she would say “He said it is o.k., Peter, Michael he said its o.k.” Every time she was in my care, she would always call her mommy or daddy, of course dialing the number herself since she knew it by heart. Mommy and daddy forever brought a huge smile to her face when they would agree to the change of plans. She was especially ecstatic one day when I brought her to Nevine’s pool and her dad said it was alright for her to get her head wet.

I miss Sabrina and Camillo calling me Auntie!!

Auntie Antoinette

Sabrina

One day in the winter of 2003, my co-worker Antoinette called me at the office for a homemade playdoh recipe she wanted to prepare with Sabrina. After I shared the recipe, Sabrina asked if she could speak to the person on the phone. After saying: “Hello” Sabrina asked: “What are you doing?”. I replied that I was working. She then quickly and excitedly asked: “Where are you?” I answered that I was working in her Auntie’s office. She seemed quite satisfied with that answer and said “Bye” in a whimsical way.

I’ll never forget Sabrina’s voice and feel blessed to have had even such a short time to speak with her.

– Andrea Turner