11/30/09 - "GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME" Blog Entry

I would like to dedicate this blog to an amazing woman & friend - Cynthia (Cannatelli) Herrick - who, sadly, passed away from a brain tumor last week at the age of 37. My heart goes out to Cynthia's family during this difficult time and my thoughts and prayers will forever be with them.

Cynthia was a shining star and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her, myself included. While I only got to spend a little bit of time with her and her sister Nicole Testa (who, tragically, is also battling a brain tumor) over the past couple of years, I count myself blessed to have known her. I will never forget her trademark warm smile and kind personality. She was not only physically beautiful; she also had a wonderful inner-beauty, as well. She was the kind of person that brightened your day and lifted your spirits no matter what she was going through personally. As evidenced by the number of people at her funeral this past weekend, Cynthia clearly had a positive impact on the lives of so many people.

Cynthia's greatest love was her family, especially her children - Jordan, Brooke and Corrine - and her sister, Nicole. Cynthia also loved her work as a hairdresser at Chez Nicole Salon, where she worked for over 15 years along with her sister, mother, Madelyn Maglin, and father, Joseph Cannatelli. What’s more though, Cynthia had a zest for life that was both captivating and contagious.

On the back of the funeral program was a quote from Cynthia that I found especially touching and typical of Cynthia, who never let on how difficult things were for her during her battle and truly lived each day with as if it were her last.

“Life is a gift, it’s so simple. Just enjoy. Just live. Follow your heart and don’t worry.”

Well said, Cynthia, and may you rest in peace.