07/01/2026
Dear St. Pio Families,
I am calling on the prayers and strength of our community one more time. One of our beloved school mothers, Marybeth Ciasullo, has been hospitalized for the past two weeks as she courageously battles a very serious illness. While she has a long road to recovery ahead, her family continues to face each day with unwavering faith and hope.
When I asked Mr. Ciasullo how our school family can best support them during this difficult time, his answer continually remains the same, “Please, just your prayers.” As only our St. Pio family can do, I know we will surround Marybeth, Mr. Ciasullo, and their family with countless prayers for healing, strength, peace, and comfort during this time.
For those who are able, I am also sharing the family's GoFundMe page. Please know that any support you can offer whether through prayer and/or donation is greatly appreciated.
I also want to thank each of you for the extraordinary love and generosity you have shown to our precious Aria and the Bunodono/Hooks family. We will continue collecting donations for their family throughout the summer. Ms. Bunodono has shared how incredibly humbled and grateful they are for the overwhelming outpouring of prayers, kindness, and support as they continue to navigate this most tragic time.
I also want to share with all of you how touched I was by Mr. Ciasullo and Marybeth’s sister, Mrs. Coccia. Even while facing their own heartbreaking hardship, Mr. Ciasullo and Mrs. Coccia, one of our substitutes in our early elementary wing, wanted to make sure that our prayers and support remained focused on Aria and her family before anything else. For many years, Mr. Ciasullo has generously shared his gifts as our school DJ, he always brings smiles to our students’ faces and joy in their hearts. His love for our children has always come first, even in this time.
But, this is truly who we are as a St. Pio family. We have always carried one another through life's greatest joys and deepest sorrows. We pray for one another, we lift one another up, and we remind each other that no one walks alone.
Very recently, Father Weber, one of our former pastors, reminded me of something so important and it has stayed with me since- although we are facing some of the hardest moments our school community has ever experienced, “be assured God is with us and He will get us through this.”
Please continue to keep the Ciasullo family, the Bunodono/Hooks family, and all those who are suffering in your daily prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each of us and grant us His Grace and healing each day. May we be reminded of the love in our community and never forget we are a family.
All my love always,
Mrs. Russo
Our dear friend, Marybeth, is facing the fight of her life. She is currently hospitalized wi… Friends of Marybeth needs your support for Support for Marybeth
