Charlotte (MU '94) and I (MU '96), as well as Giovanni, and his brother Benicio, are honored you took some time to learn more about Gio's Garden. We personalized this page for you to quickly know WHO we are and WHAT this is all about.
That photo above is Gio and Charlotte in 2012, a few days after a respite center for special needs family opened with his name.
Here he is 10 years later.
3 brain surgeries (his first at 10 months old), a rare tumor, a rare childhood seizure disorder where he suffered from 80-100 seizures a day didn't and couldn't stop this kid from inspiring Gio's Garden.
A place many of our special angels call "home" while their parents get a simple break from the 24/7/365 care worker life.
Charlotte and I didn't go on a date four 4 years after Gio's first brain surgery. Gio's Garden grew from us realizing so many parents like us can't get just a few hours break.
10 years later, we have helped more than 300 families, have provided 65,000 hours of therapeutic respite care, and have done 90% of it through private donations.
Gio inspired us to open the center for others. He never used it. It was built for others.
Charlotte and I aren't looking for a donation. We only wanted you to be aware of our little nonprofit, as fellow Marquette Alumni. We would be HONORED if you and your family would one day visit Gio's Garden, see what it's all about AND join us for one of our fundraising events.
Thank you for getting this far!
