We recently received a heartfelt message from our long-time gallery artist and friend, Bob Arrigo.  I was compelled to share this with all of you in hopes that we can help their family during this difficult time:

“This note is for all our family and friends who may or may not know of the tragic event that the Arrigo family recently experienced.  On May the 17th, 2012 our daughter Kristin’s ten month old son Jesse James Arrigo had a near drowning accident in our back yard garden pond.  His mother pulled him from the water and started immediate infant CPR on Him.  Paramedics arrived and 55 minutes later he was barely stabilized and on his way to Sick Kids Hospital.

It has been approximately six weeks since then and several times now Jesse has outlived the doctor’s predictions of his passing.  Apparently he will not give up his fight for life.  He is a strong boy with an incredibly strong will to live.  We have seen many small miracles that seem to be adding up to hope in his recovery.  Some basic brain functions that doctors said would never return, have done just that, such as blinking and tracking us with his eyes, responding to sound and swallowing.

“Oxygen deprivation suffered during his accident has led to the need for expensive ongoing rehabilitation therapies.  From what the family has learned we are looking not at months, but years of therapies that are not covered by OHIP.  Kristin is a single mother who loves her baby more than many of us might understand, but her, her brother and sister, and parents are trusting in the grace and power of God and the love and generosity of friends to help restore the life that baby Jesse was enjoying just a couple of months ago.  He had just learned to walk.  And we know he will walk again.”

It has been estimated that rehabilitation costs will likely amount to $80,000 – $120,000 within the next few years.

How You Can Help:

A trust fund has been created with all Scotiabanks in the greater Toronto area.  If you are able we thank you in advance for any way you could give for his cause. Donations can be made at any Scotiabank branch to “IN TRUST FOR JESSE ARRIGO” (Acct. # 35832 09089 24), or cheques can be mailed to:

THE ARRIGO FAMILY
C/O JESSE ARRIGO
5352 Glen Erin Dr.
Mississauga, On.
L5M 5C2.

Donations are not tax deductible, but will be received gratefully by the family for the medical treatment.

100% of donated monies will go to Jesse’s rehabilitation and medical needs.

You can also help by purchasing a piece of Bob’s work.  All available pieces are listed on our website, but below you can view some of his most recent work.

Thank you for your concern,
from all of us here at Crescent Hill Gallery