Group organizing fundraiser for local woman after unexpected diagnosis – East Idaho News

IDAHO FALLS – A neighborhood enterprise proprietor’s surprising analysis prompted a gaggle of ladies to arrange a fundraiser on her behalf.

Flaminia Assirelli, a 50-year-old Italian immigrant who opened Mama Fla Genuine Italian Restaurant in Idaho Falls final fall, was identified with breast most cancers in April.

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In a dialog with EastIdahoNews.com, her husband, Marco, explains that his spouse is making ready for a mastectomy subsequent month after getting a lump eliminated in Could and months of chemotherapy.

One other lump has since returned and the couple opted for surgical procedure relatively than radiation therapy. They’re hoping this would be the resolution for a full restoration.

“There’s a 90% (likelihood) there might be no want for additional therapies after the surgical procedure,” Marco says. “This ought to be the ultimate step. You by no means know (for certain), however it would depend upon the pathology report after the surgical procedure.”

Although Flaminia is mostly in good spirits and is doing her greatest to remain busy with the restaurant, Marco says she’s struggled with lack of vitality and fatigue currently.

She’s pressured and a little bit scared going into this process, however Marco says “she’s a tricky girl.”

The Assirellis moved to Idaho Falls from Rome in 2019 and have awaited their closing interview for U.S. citizenship for greater than two years. With out being residents, they’re unable to acquire medical health insurance, which implies medical care is kind of costly.

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“With out (citizenship), you possibly can’t get social safety and with out social safety, you possibly can’t get medical health insurance,” Marco explains. “On this state of affairs with out insurance coverage, it’s not straightforward.”

Nari Ann Mendenhall of Idaho Falls reconnected with the Assirellis in 2020 after assembly them for the primary time in Italy greater than 30 years in the past. She and Flaminia have since develop into greatest buddies and the Assirellis are like household to her.

When Mendenhall heard about Flaminia’s struggles, she determined to assist.

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She and others have volunteered their time on the restaurant during the last a number of months to maintain it operating throughout a labor scarcity. Mendenhall says Flaminia was anxious about “preserving the momentum” of the restaurant going by this ordeal and the assistance has been a blessing to her.

Mendenhall is now working along with her daughter, Emily Heaton, and Heaton’s sister-in-law, Jessica Zaugg, on a fundraiser to assist the Assirellis with medical bills.

A Flock & Stroll might be held on August 27 in downtown Idaho Falls. The occasion will start at 11 a.m. in entrance of Mama Fla’s stand on the Farmer’s Market on Memorial Drive. Those that attend will stroll “as a flock” to her restaurant at 385 River Parkway one block to the west.

Prizes and reward baskets from native companies might be accessible, which might be awarded to the best bidder throughout a silent public sale.

Raffle tickets can even be on the market, which may be entered into quite a lot of prize drawings.

“All the cash will go to Marco and Flaminia,” Mendenhall says. “Flaminia might be 4 weeks post-surgery at the moment and so … will probably be a enjoyable surroundings for individuals to learn how she’s feeling.”

Mendenhall anticipates it lasting till 3 p.m. She’s asking those that attend to put on a pink shirt or one thing with flamingos on it for breast most cancers consciousness.

Those that can’t attend can nonetheless make a donation to a GoFundMe account in Flaminia’s title.

“We love (the Assirellis) a lot and know that many in the neighborhood do, too,” says Mendenhall. “This is a chance to point out that love and assist.”

As many have stepped in to assist throughout this troublesome time, the Assirellis are grateful for the kindness and generosity they’ve obtained.

“Thanks. Thanks. Thanks,” Flaminia says in response.

“We’re very grateful and grateful,” Marco provides.

Mendenhall is searching for companies who need to donate a present basket or raffle merchandise for the occasion. For those who’d prefer to contribute, ship an e-mail to narimendenhall@gmail.com or name her straight at (208) 403-6842.