This page will keep you updated on our up-to-date successes, future endeavors and recent or upcoming events...

 

 

Congratulations to the 2014 Taylor Donnadio Scholarship winner...

Out of 5 essays submitted, a panel of 4 judges have chosen...

DEVIN LANDSBACH!! 

The family wishes you well in your collegiate endeavors at Penn State University!

 

Congratulations to the 2013 Taylor Donnadio Scholarship winners!  Because this was Taylor's graduating class, we decided to give away 2 scholarships. Based on 10 submitted essays, a panel of 4 judges have chosen the following applicants. 1. John Horvath; John is a 4.0 student, he plans to attend Walsh university for Computer Science. John is an avid baseball player. 2. Cody Plummer; Cody is a 3.0 student, he plans to attend Pittsburgh Technical Institute for Information Technology. Cody is a proud cancer survivor! On behalf of our family and Taylor, we wish you both the best of luck in your future endeavors. Reach for the stars!"As a Beaver Falls High School class of 2013 graduate, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the family of Taylor Elizabeth Donnadio for their kindness and generosity by providing encouragement to students through the creation of the scholarship award in Taylor’s memory.I am so grateful to be one of the recipients of the "Tumbling Forward" award. As one of Taylor’s classmates, it is an honor to receive this opportunity which will help me work toward achieving my future goals.I will soon be going to PTI to study core IT courses which will enable me to prepare for a career in internet crime prevention and network security practices."~Cody Plummer"Winning Taylor's scholarship makes me feel so many ways that I couldn't describe every feeling. Growing up with her and being her best friend, we became so close and it was extremely hard to believe that I wouldn't be able to talk to her again or see her. But, with every passing moment I realized that she may have physically left this world, but she remains by my side when she can be and helps me. There's no doubt that this scholarship, out of all the ones I won, means the most to me and I will forever cherish receiving it in memory of Taylor. Thank you to the Donnadio and the Krugh family!"~John Horvath

 

We are approaching 1 year since the loss of Taylor. 1 year without her? Wow. It is still so hard everyday, but somehow we have managed. Sunday, January 6th, Father James Farnan will be hosting a vigil at 1:00 at the St. Marys cemetery and the BFHS class of 2013 will be holding a candlelight prayer vigil at 5:00 at the BFHS down by the flagpole. 

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I was recently asked to write a short story for a website called Life by me...I’m just an average person living an average life. I breathe in and out. I walk one foot in front of the other. But the way I do these simple tasks has completely changed since January 2012 when my 17 year old sister, Taylor, decided to end her own life. Now, I have to remind myself to do them.  The way I do, think and feel about everything has changed. Everything I thought I knew, the way I live my life, the way I love and laugh…it has all changed.I have had to overcome far too many challenges and obstacles in my short 33 years on this earth. Life hasn’t been fair. Not that anyone ever promised me that it was going to be. But it is important. It has meaning and purpose. Sometimes that meaning and purpose isn’t the answer to your dreams or prayers. It isn’t always written in black and white dangling in front of your face. It isn’t always what you intend or want. Sometimes, it even comes from tragedy. Nine months ago I couldn’t even get out of bed I was so broken and lost.  Today, I have a new purpose. I am saving lives. I don’t have a map to follow, nor do I have answers to most of my questions.  What I do have is perseverance. That can’t be taken from me. It is what helps me find the strength I need to make it through the day. And I know if I can, anyone can!My sister’s death has taught me to live. I will continue to breathe in and out. Put one foot in front of the other. I will get up when I fall. Smile through the pain. Fall in love with as many things as possible.  I will face fear with the courage I need to be the victor. I will always remember to remind others that they matter to someone. I will find beauty not fault in all things around me. I will always look for light in the darkness. I will keep my sister’s spirit alive by doing all of this in her name and in her honor. I will PERSEVERE!

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I have been receiving a lot of emails recently regarding how to cope with loss or how to help those in need who suffer from mental illness. I am in NO WAY licensed to give such advice all I can tell you is what we have done and make suggestions. 

1. If you are suffering or know someone suffering...LISTEN to them or find someone to talk to; a teacher, a peer, a friend, a guidance counselor or family member. Be supportive and not judgemental. Refer them to counseling or seek counseling. Call the suicide hotline @ 1.800.273.TALK. If they are suicidal and tell you that they have a plan or have acted out this plan, call 911!! 

2. Coping with loss; this is different for every person. Everyone deals and grieves at different stages and for different amounts of time. Taylor has been gone for 9 months now and it still hurts just as bad as the day it happened. I, along, with my family miss her tremendously. We have our good days and our bad. I can tell you that even though it hurts, I no longer cry EVERYDAY. It is getting easier to learn how to cope. I talk to Taylor all the time. Outloud. We have gone to greif counseling, relied on our friends, family, and the support of the community. You must tell yourself that life is worth living and that even though today might be aweful, tomorrow might be better. You have to remind yourself to be strong and constantly give yourselves pep talks. Talk about your feelings, write your feelings down in a journal, get them out anyway you can because keeping them bottled inside will only make you feel worse in the long run! Most importantly...PRAY!!! 

I hope that you found something i've said somewhat helpful?! These are the things I do, how you choose to handle things may be different. If its too much to bear, seek the help of a counselor!

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Please visit our tent at the Chippewa Carnival starting on July 17th...We will be selling bracelets ($2). Raffle tickets for an autographed Joe Namath Jersey ($5 for 2 numbers that go off with the PA lotto on Aug 25th) As well as Raffle tickets for a Pens jersey signed by Mario Lemieux and the entire team!! See you all there!

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After reading many wonderful essay submissions, it is my pleasure to announce the winner of the 2012 Tumbling Forward; TED scholarship winner ~ Madison Perretta. Madison plans to attend Waynesburg University in the Fall to obtain a Criminal Justice degree."After obtaining my bachelor's degree, I plan to work in my community as a correctional treatment specialist. With advancing my education, I have chosen a career goal that not only intrests me but that will, in turn, benefit my community. Losing Taylor was one of the most difficult things I have dealt with in my life. I have been inspired by how Taylor's family have fought to keep her spirit alive. After learning of the scholarship in Taylor's name, I could think of no greater honor than to be the first recipient. I can't explain the pride I felt when I saw my name in the graduation program next to the Tumbling Forward Scholarship. And even though the monetary gift was a blessing, nothing can compare to the joy I found in knowing as if I had every connection to Taylor I could. As a friend, Taylor never ceased to brighten my day with her gorgeous smile and bubbly personality. The loss has impacted my life forever, but I feel as if I will always play some small part in helping her story and light live on." ~ Madison PerrettaOn behalf of our family and Taylor, we wish you the best of Luck, Madison!!

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I want to thank everyone (especially our dear friend Jenna Cox who beautifuly organized the entire event) who attended the Cocktails for a Cause event at the Rivers Club. It was a HUGE success and alot of FUN! 

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June 1, 2012~ A response to my letter from the Obama Administration ;) Moving on up!!!

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June 8, 2012:  We are hosting a BIG event. COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE hosted by Jenna Cox at The Rivers Club, for Tumbling Forward: The Taylor Donnadio Memorial Fund! You're not going to want to miss out!  (21 and over event)$20 a person gets you appitizers, beer and wine for the night! Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting me at nicolekrugh@gmail.com or can be purchased at the door!

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This Thursday ONLY at Chippewa Applebee's 15% of your total bill will be donated to Tumbling Forward; The Taylor Donnadio Scholarship fund. MUST present flyer with bill!  

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(5/9/12) Today is Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day and the Beaver Valley Mall will have booths set up from 3-6 

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The Taylor Donnadio Scholarship Application Process is Now Open! Eligible Beaver Falls High School Seniors can click the link below to download and print the Scholarship Application Form:http://www.cushycms.com/temporary_uploads/183873/Tumbling Forward Taylor Donnadio Memorial Scholarship Application_2012.pdfAll applications and related materials must be turned into the Beaver Falls High School Guidance Office to Mrs. Gosset or Miss Manno by Monday, May 21, 2012 by 5:00 pm. (No exceptions can be made regarding the deadline or application instructions.)

 

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Save the Date!! 

June 8, 2012:  We are hosting a BIG social mixer with Jenna Cox at The Rivers Club, for Tumbling Forward: The Taylor Donnadio Memorial Fund! You're not going to want to miss out!  (21 and over event)

 

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"Taylor Elizabeth Donnadio 2/10/95 ~ 1/6/12" Purple silicone bracelets are now available for sale @ $2.00 a piece. If interested please send a self addressed stamped envelope along with how many you would like to purchase, I will send out as soon as I receive it. 

N.Krugh

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THANK YOU to all who participated in making the Geneva 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament a success. We made a total of $1051.00 that will benefit the scholarship and our teenage depression/suicide awareness cause! 

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Geneva Cabinet also wrote an article! Thank you to all who are helping us spread the word!!! View it here in the April 13th Issue...http://www.geneva.edu/object/cabinet_2011_2012.html

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Beaver County times interview....http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/using-her-sister-s-papers-woman-raises-suicide-awareness/article_16bd7851-e2cb-57ae-8952-03d49c6809fb.html#.T4GX9Be2u3M.facebook