By Cindy Zomar, Contributing Writer
Photo/Robert Raiano
Marlborough – Carol Raiano gets in the holiday spirit by using her crafting skills to raise money for Parkinson’s research. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, the retired ICU nurse has faced the disease head-on, continuing to live life to the fullest, enjoying long walks, spending time with her three grandchildren, and taking boxing classes for Parkinson’s patients.
“They say I have a mean right hook,” Raiano laughed.
Her current endeavor involves giant Christmas stockings made from soft fleece. The three-foot tall stockings will hold a plethora of small gifts for those on the “Nice” list…or enough coal to provide warm nights for those “Naughty” list folks! Raiano’s stockings can be purchased through the Sew Good for Parkinson’s Facebook page, with 50 percent of the proceeds being donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Team Fox. Ordering instructions are on the Facebook page.
The Raiano family has worked tirelessly to support the Foundation, with husband Robert, three daughters (Kelly, Bridget and Megan) and grandson Daniel each choosing to participate in various 5K events or Race for the Cure bicycling outings, and even hosting two Putt Putt for Parkinson’s mini-golf events. Finding a Parkinson’s cure has become a family crusade.
