Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Cappetta Nares.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Diane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am the co-founder of The Emilio Nares Foundation, along with my husband Richard Nares. Our non-profit organization navigates San Diego families through their child’s journey with cancer. We created ENF in 2003, two years after losing our only child, Emilio to (ALL) Leukemia. Emilio was treated at Rady Children’s Hospital for three years. He was diagnosed shortly after his 3rd birthday and lost his battle just before turning six.
It was during his journey that we became incredibly aware of how many families and children were suffering well beyond their cancer diagnosis. Transportation was a huge burden, as many families do not have cars and getting their child to chemo once, sometimes three times each week, could only be done by taking public transportation, riding the bus, multi- transfers, with a child whose immune system is suppressed, and nauseous at the end of the day.
We now have two full-time drivers, three vans covering all of SD County and one van in Imperial County. They pick up children and their Moms or Dads, and bring them safely, in sanitary conditions to their cancer treatment appointments. Our other programs feature: knitting support groups for Moms, Healthy Snack Bags for nutritional support, Loving Tabs Healing Shirts, and our Resource Center, which is located on the 2nd floor of Rady Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Unit.
We have expanded to Children’s Hospital OC with two vans, and we will launch our programs at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles late summer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Fundraising for non-profits is never a smooth road. When the recession hit in 2008, our dedicated and passionate staff took a cut in pay, and Richard went without a salary. They did this so that we could sustain our programs and serve our families. Today, we are in a wonderful place, thanks to an inspired community of individuals who have joined our staff, joined our board of directors, donors, and sponsors who believe in our meaningful work and keep coming back to support us.
I would advise any young woman who desires a position in the non-profit sector, to come to it with a strong passion and commitment to the cause. A warrior spirit is definitely essential, educate yourself about the needs of the organization and ask lots of questions. Understand the subject matter, and never be afraid to ask for support. You will continue to be inspired as you witness the reaction from those individuals who are really touched by your mission.
I highly recommend “Non-Profit Management” studies through our local institutions such as USD, and achieving a Master’s Degree in Non-Profit Management puts you ahead of others, and proves your dedication & resilience.
Always be a team player!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I have always worked full-time outside of ENF. I have been working in the Wine Industry in San Diego for the past 27 years. I am the San Diego District Manager for Castello Banfi from Tuscany. My customers are some of the finest restaurants, hotels, and wine retailers in the county. I received my BA from SDSU in 1977. I majored in Comparative Literature with a minor in Romance Languages. I traveled often to Europe which is where my passion for Italian, French, and Spanish wines began. Because of my restaurant industry connections, many chefs in the city cooked for the three of us when Emilio was diagnosed. They would drop off hot meals to the hospital or at our front door. After losing Emilio, once we had our 501C3 non-profit status, these dear friends of mine joined us to partner and create our annual food and wine fundraiser, Harvest for Hope. Funds raised help us support the programs and services of ENF.
I was a later in life Mom. Single until I met and married Richard when I was 40 yrs. old. I gave birth to Emilio at 42. I carried twins but lost my other baby in my 10th week of pregnancy. Emilio thrived and came into the world as a healthy, beautiful baby. I was in awe of how much I was capable of loving this baby. I knew immediately that he would be my greatest gift and my finest accomplishment in life. When he was diagnosed with leukemia at three years old, my world fell apart. I could never understand the why and how of these devastating words, “your little boy has cancer.” All of our dreams for this beautiful child dissolved. Everything became about saving his life.
The road to healing after the loss of one’s child is a very long one. Only with the passing of time can anything begin to make sense again. Nature, friends and family, support groups, all help, Eventually the grief ratio of sadness vs. joy begins to shift one tiny bit at a time. One day, I smiled again, while watching my dog run on the beach. One day, I had the energy to walk back into Rady CH. One day, my grief shifted from myself to care about the grief of others, how can my story help another parent?
In 2003, The Emilio Nares Foundation was born. I am the Chairperson for our annual fundraiser Harvest for Hope, featuring local chefs and wines from around the world. Join us on Sept. 22, 2019, 2-5 p.m. BRICK at Liberty Station.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Know yourself, trust yourself, but always be open to signs of growth opportunity. Quietly begin to find those comrades whom you can trust. When conflict arises, examine yourself, and know when the issue is really the other person’s problem, not yours. Take the high road and admit your mistakes, go all in, not half way there. Fall, and brush yourself off, strap on your boots and try again. Never be afraid of making mistakes. You will grow in every challenging situation. Be kind, be humble, but be strong and defend yourself and your opinions when needed.
Focus on having a balanced life, embrace nature, animals, movement, and make time for self-reflection and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.enfhope.org
- Facebook: The Emilio Nares Foundation
Image Credit:
Marti Montbleau 858-395-6006, friend, Ingrid Croce 619-871-7707 business associate/ friend, Luz Quiroga, 619-944-1743 Program Director of ENF business associate and friend, Betsy Anderson 619-929-5438, Victoria McGeath 619-743-0710 business associate/friend
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
