Ann Marie Colelli
AnnMarie@NextGenerationFoundation.com
Ann Marie Colelli was working for an entertainment based company in nyc when she was asked to manage their philanthropic
marketing campaign and was blown away by how great it felt to give back and raise awareness. Years later, a group of friends asked her
to join a team of women who were coming together for one reason, to raise money in the fight against cancer.
My close friend Taraylnn's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer that year and there was no way she was going to not participate.
What she didn't anticipate was just how much that 2 day walk would change her life.
There are so many images and experiences from that first 2 day walk Ann Marie participated in that she will never forget.
She recalls being so exhausted on day two that she felt like quitting until a man passed her walking.
This man was carrying a pair of sneakers tied together and hung from his shoulder.
Those sneakers belonged to his late wife who just that year died after her long fight with breast cancer.
He carried her sneakers because for years they did the walk together and it was his way to keeping his wife's spirit alive.
Seeing and meeting people who have all been affected by cancer kept her walking to the finish line and has instilled a sense
of devotion to the cause.
Ann Marie knows of too many friends and family members who are fighting for their lives or who have lost their lives
due to cancer. She believes strongly that no matter how big or small everyone can make a difference which is why she
loves being part of NGF. Having the opportunity to get out into the community and raise awareness
for all forms of cancer and to be apart of something that is much bigger than her is something she hopes she
will teach her children so that one day they too can give back.
Ann Marie is a wife and mother of 2 young children and she prays that her efforts today
will help her children in the future. The idea of a life without the worry of cancer is something
that everyone wants and unless we get out there and try how else will that dream become a reality.
