When Gabriella Mammone was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, she could have justifiably scaled back her activities and her life’s goals. But the entrepreneur and long-time volunteer was determined to set a course for a better future, both for herself and for others.
As an Ambassador for the MS Society, Mammone speaks annually at the Day at Queen’s Park, drawing attention to major issues facing people affected by MS. She has lent her voice and face to several national MS campaigns over the years, and plays key roles in local fundraisers, including the Mississauga MS Walk, Golf Tournament and Read-A-Thon Campaign.
Cultural organizations, schools and Sheridan have also benefitted from Mammone’s volunteer leadership. Little wonder, then, that she received a Mississauga 2013 Civic Award of Recognition followed by a Canadian Small Business Woman of the Month Award. The Retail Management grad runs two companies, one of which (occasiongiftware.com) landed a spot on CBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2012.
After 15-plus years of front-line community work, Mammone shows no signs of stopping, continuing to inspire others to be strong in the face of adversity. “Living a life that matters is not a question of circumstance but of choice,” says Mammone, who is also the mother of a toddler with special needs. “Volunteering will always be in my blood.”
Check out news coverage about Mammone’s efforts, including her MS radio clip.