‘Tis the Season! We’re inspired by great stories we hear about Wiltonians demonstrating incredible generosity, compassion and good will during this time of year. We’re sharing these stories and ask readers to send us other recent examples they’ve witnessed of the true meaning of the holiday season on display. Send your stories, photos, anecdotes and anything else to editor@goodmorningwilton.com and we’ll make sure residents and non-residents alike will get to see Wilton’s true nature of kindness and holiday spirit.
Battling a deadly disease is a daunting task to face alone. So, it is truly special when children, parents, alumni and friends of Our Lady of Fatima join forces to show moral support for someone who has made a difference in their lives.
On Monday, Dec. 11, Fatima students, parents and faculty rallied in support of Wilton resident and middle-school math specialist/8th grade teacher Geri Galasso, affectionately known in the school as “Mrs. G.” The beloved teacher has been battling breast cancer and undergoing weekly chemotherapy, so the school community wanted to let her know that she was not alone in her fight.
The children surprised Mrs. G with a pink day pep rally, with all students wearing special T-shirts and a banner reading “Team OLF + Mrs. G.” The show of support extended beyond just current students, with parents, friends and alumni sending in photos of themselves dressed in pink or in breast cancer awareness t-shirts to show their support as well (more photos are on display on the OLF Facebook page). At Wilton High School, 19 alumni along with student teacher and daughter Samantha Galasso wore pink shirts to show their support of the rally day.
Principal Stanley Steele noted, “Mrs. Galasso has an amazing spirit and is a fantastic example to the children, a true heroine. She is fighting this deadly disease, teaching full time and continuing to provide after-school support as needed. Her dedication to Fatima for over a decade has provided students with excellence in academics, and the rare gifts of genuine kindness and caring. The students have been the beneficiary of something very special. It is fitting that the community and alumni have banned together in this show of moral support and genuine appreciation. Mrs. Galasso and the entire Fatima faculty are what make this school an exceptional educational environment and a nurturing community.”