With the help of a giving and supportive community, Rosanna's family has started a non-profit organization in her loving memory. is recognized as a non-profit organization in the State of Maine and as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS. Our mission is to give a book to each child on their birthday in the two schools Rosanna taught at and at the school she went to as a child (Surry & Brooksville Elementary, an
d the Brooklin School). Rosanna loved and appreciated the Raising Readers program and wanted to see it continue on to the elementary school level. Reading was a true passion of Rosanna's from the time she learned how to read. She could always be found hiding in her room reading a book as a child and teenager, reading from her Kindle as an adult, working with children as a Title One and Reading Recovery specialist, and her absolute favorite thing: reading to her little boy. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 years old and told her time was limited, she told us about her dream to expand the Raising Readers program into the elementary schools in the area. Her legacy will live on in the schools and in all of our hearts. Rosanna had another wish, which was to provide support and encouragement to young people, particularly young moms, diagnosed with cancer. Facing this diagnosis is devastating for anyone, let alone if you have a young child at home. Rosanna recalled receiving a new parent care package at the hospital after delivering Owen, being welcomed into the wonderful (but scary) new parent club. When she was diagnosed with cancer she left the hospital terrified, sad, and full of questions. She felt there was a need for people in similar situations to be given a little bit of encouragement. In Rosanna's honor we will also be providing care bags to young moms receiving chemotherapy treatments. Thanks to everyone for helping us get this going, and here's to honoring Rosanna in the ways she dreamed of for years to come ❤
