Staten Island Non-Profit Receives $50,000 Donation

NEW YORK, November 10, 2023 (Newswire.com) - On Tuesday, November 7th, Barbara D’Amora, a founding member of The GRACE Foundation, alongside her husband, Billy, and their children, Christian and Natalie, presented a donation of $50,000 to The GRACE Foundation. This generous contribution was made possible through a "GoFundMe" campaign established in memory of their beloved son, Nicholas D'Amora, who recently passed away.

Nicholas suffered a fatal seizure in May, leading to a devastating diagnosis of brain death. The D’Amora family made the courageous decision to honor Nicholas's legacy by donating his organs through "Live-On New York." Nicholas's selfless act has since saved the lives of five individuals, with his organs benefiting recipients ranging from a 34-year-old man to a 66-year-old woman.

Barbara D’Amora, reflecting on the profound impact her son had on those around him, shared her insights: "Nicholas showed us that the inability to speak does not equate to a lack of thoughts or feelings. He conveyed his daily struggles to remain regulated and focused, highlighting the significance of presuming competence in autistic individuals." She added, "Nicholas's advocacy transformed the way educators, support staff, parents, and friends perceive individuals with autism, cementing his legacy as a true catalyst for change."

During the check presentation at The GRACE Foundation, staff, participants, and board members observed a moment of silence in memory of Nicholas. The D’Amora family also paid homage to their son by sharing heartwarming stories that celebrated his life.

Nicholas, despite the challenges of autism and being non-verbal, possessed an extraordinary ability to communicate his passion for cooking, music, concerts, dancing, and playing board games with friends.

Michael Lanza, a spokesperson for The GRACE Foundation, remarked, "We will ensure that Nicholas’s legacy lives on by establishing an all-inclusive kitchen for individuals of all abilities. A special section within this kitchen will be lovingly named 'Nicky's Kitchen' as a tribute to Nicholas D'Amora."

The GRACE Foundation, which has been dedicated to its mission for 23 years, is now expanding its reach with the establishment of "NICKY's KITCHEN" in honor of Nicholas's memory. Barbara D’Amora expressed her commitment to making her son's dreams a reality, stating, "I am determined to bring this vision to life in memory of Nick." "NICKY's KITCHEN" will stand as a testament to the enduring impact of Nicholas's legacy.

About The GRACE Foundation

The GRACE Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to support, educate and enhance the quality of life for children/adults and their families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder. For more information, please visit www.graceofny.org  

Source: The GRACE Foundation