Faith transforms pain into determination

Marshall McLuhan, Jean Chrétien, Moira McQueen, and very soon, Anita Imperioli.

Assumption University, a Roman Catholic higher-education institute federated with the University of Windsor, recently announced that Imperioli, the founder of the non-profit organization In Honour of the Ones We Love, is the 2024-25 recipient of its Christian Culture Series Gold Medal.

Imperioli was inspired to found In Honour of the Ones We Love back in 1997 in memory of her late son Michael. Within the first few months of his life, pain and illness became an unwelcome and constant companion.

In 1980, the health-care system in Windsor was not equipped to diagnose Michael’s condition. The Imperioli family travelled to a children’s hospital in Michigan to discover he had cancer. Further tests revealed that Michael also had neuroblastoma. Tragically, he passed away at nine months old.

Imperioli credited her faith for transforming her pain and devastation into determination.

“That long journey of nine months taught me so much about how important it is to make sure that you facilitate and have the equipment that your loved one needs in their time of need,” said Imperioli. “After losing my child at the age of nine months old, it was very devastating for me. I had to find my way, and it was my faith that brought me back to saying I need to try to give back some way. Somehow (I want) to make it easier for other patients and other loved ones who are going through some kind of journey of illness.”

She began with organizing a gala that raised $50,000 to create a blood lab for the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. The charity’s impact soared from there and it has funded a brachytherapy table, a CT scan machine, an oncology procedure room, a bladder scanner, ECG machine and a Da Vinci Surgical Assisting Robot for the centre, among many other donations. 

In Honour of the Ones We Love also launched the eight-bed Mark Rotondi Palliative Care Home at Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. It also spearheaded a Kids Beating Cancer (“Honourable Little Ninjas”) therapeutic martial arts program. Additionally, it runs speech therapy classes, supports daily breakfast and meal programs and backed the creation of an outdoor accessible playground at John McGivney Children’s Centre in Windsor.

Imperioli is also devoted to providing people in her community with end-of-life spiritual care.

John Cappucci, the president and vice-chancellor of Assumption University, commended Imperioli for tirelessly modeling Christian principles.

“When we think of Christian ideals, the Corporal Acts of Mercy came to mind: visiting the sick, feeding the poor and comforting those who mourn,” wrote Cappucci  in an email to The Catholic Register. “Anita does these works and more on a daily basis. Whether it is going around with ‘comfort carts’ for those who are in hospital and need a bit of cheer or the now famous green fleece blankets patients receive or the Honourable Ninjas program for children with life-threatening diseases, Anita is following the teachings of Jesus closely.”

Imperioli said she “was stunned,” “thrilled” and “humbled” upon hearing she is the newest recipient of the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal. The philanthropist, who had not heard about this honour in the past, shared insight on the award’s potential inspirational value to students and faculty at Assumption University.

“The most important thing is that we learn to give back to our community and we help those in need,” said Imperioli. “It is very important to put yourself out there as there is so much need. As a young person you should give back as much as you can. It comes back in so many ways — educationally, experience-wise and (you learn) ethics.

Imperioli will be feted with the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal during an April 2025 ceremony. With the exceptions of 2003 and 2012, this honour has been bestowed annually dating back to 1941. Recent recipients include soprano Measha Brueggergosman–Lee, former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Graydon Nicholas, former Governor General Michaëlle Jean and retired NFL tight end Luke Willson, who won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014.