Cathy and Joe Bondi
Fifteen years ago Joe and Cathy Bondi heard words no parent wants to hear. Their six year old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
It proved to be a call to action that has led the family to reaffirm what is truly important in their lives—family, friends, and community. “We were given a tremendous medical challenge which thankfully turned out well for our son,” said Joe. “At the end of the day we appreciate all that we have been given, and now it is our turn to take these blessings forward to help others.”
The medical crisis began innocently enough. they noticed that their son’s left hand was unsteady and decided to take him for a medical examination, never dreaming that a brain tumor could be the cause of the problem. The tumor was successfully removed surgically a few days before the child’s seventh birthday. Joe vividly recalled his feelings as he and Cathy returned to their home on that day. “When we drove into our driveway, we saw that someone had cleared all the snow from a recent storm and on the front step was a large pan of homemade lasagna,” Joe said. “It was a very humbling experience knowing that we were fortunate enough to be surrounded by loving family and friends, yet each day at the hospital we saw parents from all over the country, with both their ill and well children, trying to cope with what life had given to them.”
Once Joe and Cathy knew their son would survive the crisis, they sought out other parents who were going through the same issues as they were. they found a group whose children had brain tumors, and within that circle, Joe and Cathy found the reassurance, knowledge and comfort that they so critically needed. “We had excellent health care, the best of medical professionals and a supportive network of family and friends,” said Joe. “I could not imagine how other parents were coping, who had so much less than we did.”
This was, indeed, a call to action. Joe became an active participant in a major fund-raising drive for Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, helping to raise over a quarter of a million dollars to be used for pediatric brain tumor research. But he and Cathy did not stop there. Their good works have included support for the American Red Cross and Mary’s Cupboard, a charitable group affiliated with St. Andrew’s Church in Newtown. “Cathy makes sure that the cupboard is never bare for families in need,” teased Joe. “On a more serious note, she has devoted much time and energy to make sure that there are always household staples for those who are struggling.”
Greg Hayes, a good friend and St. Mary Foundation board member, arranged a meeting with Greg Wozniak, St. Mary CEO. That opened up another charitable mission for Joe and Cathy. “I was so impressed with the charismatic leadership that Greg displayed,” said Joe. “As a business executive, I was and am continually impressed with the organization of this facility. As St. mary continues to grow through its expansion program, I see that Greg has installed a team of diverse individuals with talents, experience and expertise which will facilitate the success of the endeavor.”
Joe recognizes how fortunate he and Cathy are that their son’s illness was successfully treated. He does not forget, however, the many individuals he met along the way who may not have had the happy results that his family had. “It was a call to action that we heard and are happy to respond to,” he said. “We had just a glimpse of what others have to endure, so it is in the spirit of thankfulness that Cathy and I welcome the opportunity to support St. Mary. Be it in volunteering time, skills or money, I urge others in the community to join us.”