The Belmont resident had a brain tumour in 2000, experienced a stroke during surgery and while she is currently cancer-free she lives with the effects of the stroke that has weakened her right side.
But during her recovery, surrounded by teams of specialists, she made a special vow. ‘I promised myself if I got better I’d do something to give back in some way,’ Mrs Patriacia said.
Confined to a wheelchair for a year, she proudly walked down the aisle at her wedding holding onto her dad and while she still cannot run or skip with her children, she is committed to handing out cheery daffodils each year.
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READ NOWShe will sell Daffodil Day merchandise at Belmont Forum on Friday, August 22.