At 13 months old, Aaliyah was diagnosed with a spinal cord disease that limited her mobility. The use of a wheelchair allowed her greater mobility and less dependence on others. Unfortunately, Aaliyah’s wheelchair was stolen from her house in Ossining. Without her wheelchair, Aaliyah’s mobility was severely restricted, preventing her from attending school or spending time with friends. The president of the Foundation, Billy Santo, learned of Aaliyah’s plight when his secretary heard the story on the news and informed him. Billy immediately sprang into action, asking his secretary to contact the news station for information on how to reach the family. After making contact with the family, the foundation purchased a new wheelchair for Aaliyah that was both more secure and provided greater mobility than her previous one. Additionally, the Santo family presented Aaliyah with a number nine necklace, a number of great significance to both the Santo family and Aaliyah. Christian’s baseball number was 9, and Aaliyah’s birthday is on August 9th. This special connection is also symbolized in the guardian angel number 9, signifying that our ‘angel’ is always watching over us and guiding our path through life.
Liz was brought to our attention by the New York State Chaplin. After being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer and losing her business as a result of the pandemic, Liz and her family experienced extreme financial distress. Liz was not only enduring the emotional stress of undergoing treatment but was also worrying about how she was going to survive financially. She is a mom of 6 (3 sets of twins) with the youngest set of twins being severely autistic. After speaking with Liz and hearing her story, the foundation decided to take immediate action. With her family on the verge of losing their home, trying to apply for public assistance and benefits as well as not knowing how or where shoes or winter coats would be coming from for her growing family, we came into her life to ease their financial burden during this challenging time. Throughout the year, we paid the mortgage on their home. In addition, we have supplied food, clothing, gifts for birthdays and Christmas presents.
Frankie and Drew, seen here, are both living with special needs and preparing to begin college in Fall 2022. Two boys, that were not considered at one point be college-bound defied the odds through tenacity, familial support and the work of our organization. The parents worked diligently and had many struggles to find the right result to bring these young men to this point. Without the proper guidance, support and tools needed to achieve their utmost developmental skills, many individuals are not able to reach their full potential. We believe everyone should be set up for success. Drew and Frankie will both be receiving a 4-year scholarship. The scholarship will be providing full financial support for the programs needed during their undergraduate years.
Drew will be attending St. Thomas Aquinas College. He has been awarded The Christian J. Santo Pathways Scholarship. Pathways focuses on developing the academic and self-advocacy skills of goal-oriented, self-motivated students with disabilities. They provide mentorship sessions twice a week and workshops to enhance their skills as future professionals. The program provides services beyond those required under the law. This program will give Drew the individual service needed to be most successful.
UPDATE – Drew
Drew has recently attended spring training in Florida with the STAC baseball team. He was given his own STAC baseball jersey. He is considered to be a teammate. He attends all games and functions. Academically Drew is working very hard and doing well.
UPDATE – Frankie
Frankie attends Lynn University, where he is working on a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. Being more than 1200 miles from home was an adjustment initially, but Frankie has adapted quite well. His independent living skills have developed rapidly as he manages a busy class schedule with the demands of the life of a performer. Frankie is thriving in college and is so grateful for the support he’s received from the Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation. Last year, Frankie earned Honor Roll and Dean’s List awards in his freshman year and won leading and supporting roles in Lynn’s major stage productions. The Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation is making sure that Frankie gets the financial support needed for independent living during his remaining time in college.
Bryan Krolikowski is a sports management major at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Bryan is presently on the Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation’s Baseball Scholarship. He is a student athlete that is committed, determined, and enthusiastic. Although life has thrown him some curve balls, Bryan does not allow this to get in his way. Everyone’s story need not to be told but what will be told is that this young man couldn’t be more deserving of this scholarship.
Ashley is a 20 year old college student, living with Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a rare musculoskeletal condition where muscles and tendons are gradually transformed into bone
Tom attends St. Thomas Aquinas College on the 2023 Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation Baseball Scholarship. An exceptional athlete and young man, we can’t wait to see what he does on and off the field this year.
The Christian J. Santo Legacy foundation is proud to be a sports benefactor to CES Academy of Tampa in their mission of championing students.
CES Academy of Tampa is a small, privately owned, nonprofit school that offers educational options for children with disabilities. This year CES launched a sports program for their students, initially piloting basketball and soccer, but after one game had to suspend most of the program due to financial roadblocks.
In the words of a participating parent, “Participation in sports not only contributes to the physical health and well-being of disabled children but also promotes social inclusion, empowerment, and skill development, leading to a more fulfilling and enriched life.
It’s amazing how a single basket can grow a child’s confidence.” We are honored to support this worthwhile program.
At 13 months old, Aaliyah was diagnosed with a spinal cord disease that limited her mobility. The use of a wheelchair allowed her greater mobility and less dependence on others. Unfortunately, Aaliyah’s wheelchair was stolen from her house in Ossining. Without her wheelchair, Aaliyah’s mobility was severely restricted, preventing her from attending school or spending time with friends. The president of the Foundation, Billy Santo, learned of Aaliyah’s plight when his secretary heard the story on the news and informed him. Billy immediately sprang into action, asking his secretary to contact the news station for information on how to reach the family. After making contact with the family, the foundation purchased a new wheelchair for Aaliyah that was both more secure and provided greater mobility than her previous one. Additionally, the Santo family presented Aaliyah with a number nine necklace, a number of great significance to both the Santo family and Aaliyah. Christian’s baseball number was 9, and Aaliyah’s birthday is on August 9th. This special connection is also symbolized in the guardian angel number 9, signifying that our ‘angel’ is always watching over us and guiding our path through life.
Liz was brought to our attention by the New York State Chaplin. After being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer and losing her business as a result of the pandemic, Liz and her family experienced extreme financial distress. Liz was not only enduring the emotional stress of undergoing treatment but was also worrying about how she was going to survive financially. She is a mom of 6 (3 sets of twins) with the youngest set of twins being severely autistic. After speaking with Liz and hearing her story, the foundation decided to take immediate action. With her family on the verge of losing their home, trying to apply for public assistance and benefits as well as not knowing how or where shoes or winter coats would be coming from for her growing family, we came into her life to ease their financial burden during this challenging time. Throughout the year, we paid the mortgage on their home. In addition, we have supplied food, clothing, gifts for birthdays and Christmas presents.
Frankie and Drew, seen here, are both living with special needs and preparing to begin college in Fall 2022. Two boys, that were not considered at one point be college-bound defied the odds through tenacity, familial support and the work of our organization. The parents worked diligently and had many struggles to find the right result to bring these young men to this point. Without the proper guidance, support and tools needed to achieve their utmost developmental skills, many individuals are not able to reach their full potential. We believe everyone should be set up for success. Drew and Frankie will both be receiving a 4-year scholarship. The scholarship will be providing full financial support for the programs needed during their undergraduate years.
Drew will be attending St. Thomas Aquinas College. He has been awarded The Christian J. Santo Pathways Scholarship. Pathways focuses on developing the academic and self-advocacy skills of goal-oriented, self-motivated students with disabilities. They provide mentorship sessions twice a week and workshops to enhance their skills as future professionals. The program provides services beyond those required under the law. This program will give Drew the individual service needed to be most successful.
UPDATE – Drew
Drew has recently attended spring training in Florida with the STAC baseball team. He was given his own STAC baseball jersey. He is considered to be a teammate. He attends all games and functions. Academically Drew is working very hard and doing well.
UPDATE – Frankie
Frankie attends Lynn University, where he is working on a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. Being more than 1200 miles from home was an adjustment initially, but Frankie has adapted quite well. His independent living skills have developed rapidly as he manages a busy class schedule with the demands of the life of a performer. Frankie is thriving in college and is so grateful for the support he’s received from the Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation. Last year, Frankie earned Honor Roll and Dean’s List awards in his freshman year and won leading and supporting roles in Lynn’s major stage productions. The Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation is making sure that Frankie gets the financial support needed for independent living during his remaining time in college.
Bryan Krolikowski is a sports management major at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Bryan is presently on the Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation’s Baseball Scholarship. He is a student athlete that is committed, determined, and enthusiastic. Although life has thrown him some curve balls, Bryan does not allow this to get in his way. Everyone’s story need not to be told but what will be told is that this young man couldn’t be more deserving of this scholarship.
Ashley is a 20 year old college student, living with Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a rare musculoskeletal condition where muscles and tendons are gradually transformed into bone.
Tom attends St. Thomas Aquinas College on the 2023 Christian J. Santo Legacy Foundation Baseball Scholarship. An exceptional athlete and young man, we can’t wait to see what he does on and off the field this year.
The Christian J. Santo Legacy foundation is proud to be a sports benefactor to CES Academy of Tampa in their mission of championing students.
CES Academy of Tampa is a small, privately owned, nonprofit school that offers educational options for children with disabilities. This year CES launched a sports program for their students, initially piloting basketball and soccer, but after one game had to suspend most of the program due to financial roadblocks.
In the words of a participating parent, “Participation in sports not only contributes to the physical health and well-being of disabled children but also promotes social inclusion, empowerment, and skill development, leading to a more fulfilling and enriched life.
It’s amazing how a single basket can grow a child’s confidence.” We are honored to support this worthwhile program.
