In the heart of Thornwood, where neighbors become friends and community ties run deep, one family is turning their loss into a lasting legacy of love and support. The Mary DeRosa Charity, a nonprofit organization, was founded in honor of Mary DeRosa, a longtime Thornwood resident who passed away in August 2022 after bravely battling metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

Mary was more than a neighbor—she was a light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, understood, and supported. Whether it was a kind word, a warm gesture, or her unwavering generosity, Mary gave freely and without hesitation. To honor her memory, her husband Guy and their children, Guy, Joey, and Bella, established this charity to continue her spirit of giving and help families facing similar challenges.

The Mary DeRosa Charity is dedicated to providing financial assistance to individuals battling breast cancer and supporting organizations that uplift cancer patients and their families. Since its inception, the charity has raised funds for the Living Well Cancer Center in Geneva and has provided direct grants to mothers undergoing treatment at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

The DeRosa family, alongside a dedicated volunteer board, have poured their hearts into this cause. From securing local sponsorships to organizing impactful fundraising events, their commitment is a testament to Mary’s enduring legacy.

The outpouring of support from the Thornwood community, local retailers, and generous sponsors like Riverside Pizza and Bob Karas has been incredible. This overwhelming kindness has allowed the charity to offer practical assistance—whether funding a family getaway for a mother undergoing treatment or helping with daily expenses during an already difficult time.

“We know firsthand how important it is to feel supported during the battle,” Guy shares. “Living Well Cancer Center was a lifeline for our family—offering everything from grievance counseling to custom in-home nutrition plans for Mary during treatment. We want to ensure other families facing this journey never feel alone.”

One of the charity’s most anticipated events is the Annual Mary DeRosa Charity Golf Outing, returning for its third year on Thursday, July 24, at Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago.

Last summer the golf-outing sold out. The DeRosa family would like to encourage our Thornwood neighbors who may be interested in participating, to register early!  The event has become a tradition, bringing together neighbors, friends, and supporters for a day of golf, community, and heartfelt remembrance. Non-golfers are welcome to attend the awards dinner and raffle, making it an event for everyone. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering local businesses a chance to support a meaningful cause while gaining community exposure.

To register or learn more about sponsorships, visit: www.birdease.com/maryderosa

The DeRosa family wants the community to know that this charity is about more than fundraising—it’s about honoring Mary’s legacy by bringing comfort, hope, and assistance to those in need.

“Mary was your neighbor for over 20 years, and she deeply loved this community. The meal trains, the texts, the letters—you have all lifted us up in ways we can never fully express. This isn’t an ask. It’s a simple thank you.”

For more information about the Mary DeRosa Charity and how you can get involved, visit www.maryderosa.org.