In memory of a dear daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt who passed away on July 8th, 2007 and is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

For the last four months of her life, Francesca De Vuono lived at West Park Healthcare Centre. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early thirties, ironically it would be an inoperable brain tumor that stole her last breath. Francesca passed away on July 8, 2007.

Her sister Mary De Vuono-Di Luca, who was there by her side every day, credits the complex continuing care staff on 3WestE with creating an ideal environment for Francesca to spend her final days. “From the first day we arrived at West Park, we were overwhelmed by the kindness and care shown not only to my sister but to the entire family.”

With both the Multiple Sclerosis and the tumor affecting Francesca’s speech, it was challenging for her to verbalize her feelings. She depended totally on Mary so Mary knew that any decision she made for her sister’s care had to be a good one. Choosing West Park meant that Francesca would be close to home and the family could be with her.

As a family, they became closely involved in Francesca’s care and could not help but notice other patients, some even younger than Francesca, who were confined to a wheelchair. This reminded Mary of how much her sister loved being able to do things for herself. Francesca had lost all that ability, and now she too was confined to a wheelchair and in need of assistance to perform the simplest of tasks. Learning about the Spasticity Clinic at West Park and the innovative treatments that Drs. Boulias and Ismail were doing with Botox injections, meant that someone might be able to walk even after being told they would be in a wheelchair for the rest of their life. The possibilities seemed miraculous.

Although the work being done at West Park’s Spasticity Clinic cannot help Francesca, the family hopes that someone will benefit from this specialized care, and that she will be remembered for having contributed to improving quality of life. For the family, Francesca’s courageous battle with both diseases was an example of strength and faith. They will always remember her final days at West Park and remain hopeful that her legacy will live on through continued progress in treating patients who suffer from spasticity as a result of Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and brain or spinal cord injuries.

Memories of Francesca

We’ll never forget the day you left. From your lips not a word, from your eyes not a tear for you knew all along that God’s call was near. You left us quietly, your thoughts unknown, just like an angel you drifted away.

That’s how we’ll remember that warm summer day.

Many are the thoughts we give to you as the days and months go by. So many questions left unanswered, no explaining why. The pain and suffering you endured would have conquered a weaker soul. Your quiet courage, faith and love came for sure from the Lord above. If only we know then, what we know today.

That’s how we’ll remember that warm summer day.

Those last few months meant so much to us. It had been just four months since our dad passed away. We tried so hard to make you stay. Now you’re both together in Heaven yet walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

It’s been one year since that warm summer day and so we remember in this special way.

Please visit the link to find out more about West Park’s Spasticity Program and to donate to its future in memory of our dear Francesca.