Roseann Sdoia
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” ~ William Shakespeare, the Merchant of Venice
Dear Friends and Family,
We write on behalf of Roseann Sdoia, one of the many victims/survivors of the recent Boston Marathon bombing. Our son/godson, Shores, and Roseann randomly and fatefully met that day. While moving up Boylston Street after the initial bomb exploded, the second bomb went off directly across the street from where Shores was standing. He witnessed many people get thrown by the bomb and lying all over the sidewalk with severe injuries. He came upon Roseann who was critically wounded, lying in a large pool of blood, in shock. Roseann’s quiet pleas for help stopped Shores, and they locked eyes. He initially encouraged Roseann to come with him, but Roseann told Shores her leg was damaged and she could not walk. Shores reacted and scooped Roseann into his arms and carried her to Boylston Street away from the carnage. He knew she would have a better chance of getting treated quickly there. Another stranger appeared and handed Shores a belt then guided him to start a tourniquet on Roseann’s leg. Shores was able to stop the bleeding, which was critical to saving Roseann’s life. A Boston police officer and firefighter took over for Shores after loading Roseann into the back of a police paddy wagon. Roseann was transported to MGH for treatment. She endured multiple surgeries over three days including surgery to remove her damaged right leg above the knee.
While recovering in the hospital, Roseann, with the help of her family and friends, attempted to locate the “angel” who saved her. With the help of social media and a picture snapped at the scene by a stranger, Shores was identified. Last week Shores and Roseann were reunited at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston for a very beautiful and emotional reunion. He was also reunited with the Boston police officer and firefighter who came to Roseann’s side.
Friends for life.
Roseann is rehabilitating at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and will soon be fitted with the first in a series of prosthetic legs. She is anxious to go home to the North End and begin her life again.
While we know that all of us have been impacted by the events of April 15, 2013, we wanted to share Roseann’s and Shores’ stories with you. The response from the greater Boston community and beyond has been remarkable. Many acts of kindness and generosity sustain these people who are working hard to pick up the pieces and go on with their altered lives. If you have donated to any of the marathon funds, thank you! If you are inclined to do so, we respectfully ask that you consider donating directly to the Roseann Sdoia Recovery Fund. Below we have provided informational links to help. If you choose to make a donation it can either be to her online site, which is managed by GoFundMe.com, and they will take a small percentage to manage the fund. If you’d rather have Roseann receive 100% of your donation, you can write a check and mail it directly to her Recovery Fund list below. If you would like to read more about Roseann’s story and her journey, you may go to the gofundme.com site and read the updates posted since the inception of the fund.
Shores’ spontaneous action to stop in the midst of chaos and danger to help Roseann is the ultimate example of a random act of kindness. Your generosity to support Roseann Sdoia in her recovery by donating to her fund will be an additional act of kindness. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers. We extend heartfelt thanks for any consideration. So shines a good deed on a weary world.
Warmly, Lorraine and Bob / Kate and Bob
http://www.gofundme.com/roseann
Roseann Sdoia Recovery Fund
c/o Enterprise Bank
1168 Lakeview Avenue
Dracut MA 01826
Some Media: Please note: see the links below telling Roseann’s and Shores’ story
WCVB - "Boston Marathon bombing survivor finds man who 'saved her life"
WCVB - "Boston Marathon bombing survivor reunited with man who saved her life"