Who: Dianna Varady is well-known in dog rescue circles. The 25-year-old Dalton resident serves as a foster mom for numerous canine organizations. She also owns Beyond Bread and Canine Crunch and Munch, a small business she developed through plenty of trial and error that creates healthy, all-natural dog treats. Varady, a former AmeriCorps Scholar, also remains active as a community volunteer, serving as a member of Friends of the Abington Community Library. On June 13, Varady suffered enormous heartbreak when a fire started in the chimney of her house and left her home in ruins. She lost everything to the fire, including pets she loved beyond measure: 2-year-old Luna the dog; Sophia, a 9-year-old Corgi; and three adult cats.
What/when/where: Friends established an online fundraising campaign at GoFundMe.com. Donations of gift cards, checks and cards with words of support may be sent to Dianna Varady at 135 Howe Lane, Dalton, PA 18414.
Why: The fire resulted in a total loss for Varady. She lost not only family with the deaths of her beloved pets but also everything she owned. Proceeds will be used to replace clothing, food and other essentials.
In her own words: “Community involvement to me means more than just talking about it — it’s making a change and giving time to the cause or issue you want to help or see a change in. I always have been one to do that and never just sit back and let someone else struggle. I love seeing people succeed in what they are passionate about in life, and I believe it takes a village.” — Dianna Varady
Submitted Photo
Bill Bochicchio
Update: Donations still are being accepted for Bill Bochicchio, a Scranton family man battling diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. To make a contribution, visit GoFundMe.com or send checks payable to William Bochicchio at P.O. Box 523, Dunmore, PA 18512. Bochicchio also enjoys cards and messages with inspirational quotes to life his spirits as he continues an aggressive chemotherapy regimen.
Patrice Wilding is a 13-year employee of the Lifestyles Dept. at The Times-Tribune, where she worked her way up from a clerk to a web video producer to a full-time reporter, writer and copy editor. An Olyphant native, she graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with concentration in media arts, political science and communications from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, Justin, and their son, Johnny. Contact: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369; @pwildingTT
