Millie Santilli, like all Rhode Islanders, is both saddened and inspired by the story of Dorian Murray, the eight-year-old Westerly boy who is facing terminal cancer and has garnered international recognition in recent weeks.
Last week, Santilli – who serves as the assistant director of the Johnston Senior Center – began thinking of Dorian, and was overjoyed that he has received such an outpouring support. She wanted the senior center to join in.
“I had ‘DStrong’ put on our [outdoor] message sign,” Santilli said. “I kept thinking and thinking about this important message and just wanted everyone to know we’re ‘DStrong’ here.”
Santilli and Denise Bell, the center’s coordinator, also wanted to do something else that would afford staffers and members to be part of the effort.
“Denise moved forward and made individual letters,” Santilli said. “Once people found out what we were doing, they all wanted to join in.”
Around 12:30 last Thursday afternoon – before people enjoyed the day’s lunch and started playing bingo – some set up chairs and posed for what Santilli called “our official ‘#DStrong’ photo.”
Those who participated included dietary manager Brenda Martin, Madeline Ravenelle, chef Joe Fanning, trips and activities director Marie Venditti, maintenance staffer Randy Archer, activities assistant Jean D’Arezzo, volunteer Brenda Strezzo, and dining room hostess Grace D’Andrea.
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