While the holidays should be a time of year filled with joyous celebration in the company of friends, family, and loved ones, not everyone is as fortunate.

This year, the oncology floors at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania are at capacity with patients and families who unfortunately will spend this holiday inpatient undergoing cancer treatment.

Last Sunday, the HEADstrong Foundation and New Jersey-based Rastelli’s Market Fresh teamed up to deliver hope, support, and comfort in an effort to make the holidays special and home-like for these families.

The HEADstrong Foundation – led by the Colleluori family and a dedicated group of volunteers, including members of the Rastelli family – transformed conference rooms into family dining rooms, and set the scene with a delicious family meal, live music, entertainment, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who distributed comfort kits and gifts to all of the patients.

HEADstrong President Cheryl Colleluori personally visited with more than 120 families, providing encouragement and lending an arm of support and warm holiday wishes.

The HEADstrong mission and commitment to serving families affected by cancer is one that truly resonates with the Rastelli family. In November, Rastelli’s provided all of the food for HEADstrong’s annual Thanksgiving feast and generously donated all of the food and beverages that were served to more than 400 people last Sunday.

“We are truly honored to have the support and involvement of Rastelli’s Market Fresh and the Rastelli family,” said Michael Colleluori, HEADstrong Vice President. “We wish to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude for their commitment to our cause and to those we proudly serve.

“There is nothing more comforting, especially during this time of year, than a delicious meal and Rastelli’s amazing menu has enhanced our HEADtable program.”

Spending the holidays in a hospital is a reality all too familiar to the Colleluoris. In 2005, they spent the holidays in the hospital caring for son and brother, Nick, who was battling non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. From his hospital bed, Nick conceptualized the organization now known as HEADstrong Foundation.

HEADstrong provides essential services to assist families in navigating their cancer journey with greater clarity, dignity, normalcy, and quality of life.

Nick, a Ridley High School graduate, succumbed to the disease in 2006, but during the final days of his life, he asked his family to see the HEADstrong Foundation into fruition and evolve services to have immediate and direct impact those affected by cancer.