June 6, 2008

Walkin’ Raviolis host fundraisers

Proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life

By Carol Rosen
Staff Writer

Despite losing their leading member and source of inspiration to breast cancer last year, the Walkin’ Raviolis team continues to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event to raise money to fight the disease. They also hold numerous fundraisers throughout the year including a pasta feed and garage sale.

The Walkin’ Raviolis is comprised of 25 family and friends of Tina Martignetti and her mother Mary, who raise money for cancer research by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and holding various fundraisers throughout the year.

The Walkin’ Raviolis was formed in 2005 and is comprised of 25 family members and friends of Tina Martignetti and her mother Mary, both of whom lost their fights with breast cancer. The group got their unusual name because many of the members are of Italian descent and they love to eat, you guessed it…pasta. In fact, Yvonne Myrah said Tina’s nickname was “Miss Ravioli” and that’s how the “Walkin’ Raviolis” got their name.

Tina was diagnosed with cancer when she was 26 and fought for almost 10 years before succumbing to the disease last year shortly after her 35th birthday. “Tina never complained about the pain or the treatments,” said team member Celeste Rabadon, of Campbell. “I’ve never known anyone that had that kind of will to live and positive outlook. She was actually given a standing ovation at her funeral!”

Tina’s cousin, Yvonne Myrah says Tina, “changed my life. She was a living example of how to not let life’s challenges get you down.”

Yvonne says that Tina taught her to see that we all have a choice of how to deal with the hard times, by not letting it get the best of us, seeing the positives, and looking towards the future. “Tina never complained about how much pain she was in or about her situation,” says Yvonne. “You would never have guessed she was a last stage cancer survivor, all you saw was her big beautiful smile and shared her contagious laugh.”

Walkin’ Raviolis ‘head meatball’ Tina Martignetti poses with Lance Armstrong at an event a couple of years ago. Martignetti lost her fight with breast cancer last year at the age of 35. Photos provided by the Walkin’ Raviolis

Shortly before her death, Tina was asked to answer the question “Why I Relay,” the answer only epitomizes the giving, unselfish woman she was: “I Relay because I truly believe there will be a cure one day. I Relay so that people will not have to go though what others, my mom and myself have gone though. I Relay for my family, because without them none of this would be possible.  Each and every one of them has been there for me every step of the way, the love and support I get from them makes me the luckiest person on earth and that is why I fight so hard. I Relay for the ones we have lost, the ones still fighting, and so no one else will have to experience this disease called cancer.”

“Life is precious” Tina used to say, “so enjoy every minute of it” remembers her cousin, Vince Randazzo of Willow Glen. “If there was one thing us Walkin’ Raviolis have learned from Tina, is to never give up.”

The Walkin’ Raviolis have participated in three Relays For Life, once in Willow Glen, once in Los Gatos and once in Campbell but the members hail from all over the area including Almaden Valley, Willow Glen, Campbell, Blossom Valley and Cambrian. Last year the group raised an impressive $28,000 and this year their goal is to raise $30,000 walking in the Campbell Relay.

Fundraisers
The Walkin’ Raviolis recently held a garage sale fundraiser. The last two big fundraisers are on June 13 at The Escape on Bascom Avenue in San Jose, and their annual Pasta Feed and Raffle on June 29 at the Almaden Community Center.

The Campbell Relay For Life will be held on July 12 and the Almaden Valley Relay For Life will be held on June 28. For more information on the Walkin’ Raviolis please visit www.walkingraviolis.com.