Peter Cunha

Congratulations Seniors!

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On Monday, May 30th, the David Louis Cunha Foundation presented graduating Smithfield High School Seniors Angela Gattinella and Paige Howard each with a check for $ 1,000.00 - Angela & Paige are the very first David Louis Cunha Foundation Scholarship recipients. These annual scholarships will be awarded to graduating Seniors who exemplify David's compassion and commitment to helping others through community service, good citizenship, and respect. Congratulations Angela & Paige. And a special "Thank You" to our good friends Joyce Perry, who joined us at the presentation, and to Nick Patrie, who presented the scholarship awards. No doubt David is smiling and sending all of us his love.

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Boston Children’s Hospital’s Pacemaker Camp Fund

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Last Friday, May 13th, the David Louis Cunha Foundation presented Boston Children’s Hospital’s Pacemaker Camp Fund a check for $ 2,240.00 This donation will enable five Rhode Island children with pacemakers to attend the camp over Labor Day weekend in September. Years ago, David attended the camp and had a terrific time. In David’s memory and honor, his Foundation continues to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Thank you all so very much for your continued support…YOU are the Foundation. A special “thank you” to Nick Patrie, Mike Rozzero, and Cheryl Cunha who had to carry that heavy check ! 🙂 More good things to come !!

Bella to meet Mickey!

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Today, February 11, 2016, the David Louis Cunha Foundation had the opportunity to grant a wish to a young child named Bella. Her wish was to go to Walt Disney World in Florida this May. This is just the beginning of the great things that the Foundation is doing to help those in need. Thanks to your donations, we were able to put a smile on this child's face (as well as our own). We wish Bella a fabulous time in Disney, and may all her wishes come true.

We’re on Facebook!

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The David Louis Cunha Foundation would like to welcome you to the Foundation's Facebook Page. This page will serve as a means of communication of the wonderful things David's Foundation has accomplished in just one year as well as our plans for the future. All of these have been achieved through your love and support. Without you, David's Foundation would not exist.
As you know, the past year has brought much heartache and pain for those of us who loved Dave; however, through this tragedy, the David Louis Cunha Foundation was born. In just one year, we have raised over $25,000 to help children with life-threatening conditions. This is just the beginning.
The Foundation's activities will be posted during the year and we hope you will join us in carrying on Dave's legacy...in his memory and in his honor.
Please take a moment to go to "Company Overview" under the "About" tab to learn more about David and his Foundation. Thank you again for your caring and support...and may our Lord Bless you for your kindness.

About DLC Foundation

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The David Louis Cunha Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Smithfield, Rhode Island which was established on January 13, 2015 upon the sudden passing of David Cunha.  David’s Foundation’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children living with terminal and life-threatening medical conditions.  Whether making the dream of a special life experience a reality, or providing financial assistance to the family to help ease the burden of medical expenses, David’s Foundation is committed to these children. David’s Foundation also supports children who are in need of compassion and a helping hand in their daily lives, and the local agencies and groups dedicated to serving those children. Additionally, David’s Foundation awards two annual scholarships to Smithfield High School graduating seniors who excel in community service and embody the generous heart that defined David.

David was the beloved son of Peter and Cheryl Cunha of Smithfield, Rhode Island.

David was born with a single heart ventricle with transposition. At ten days of age, David underwent a pulmonary artery banding. At one and a half years, he underwent his first open heart surgery - a Glen shunt. At four years old, he underwent his second open heart surgery - a Fontan. At five years old, he received a pacemaker. Now, because David was such an active and ALIVE little boy, he went through several pacemaker wire replacements...much to the anxiety of his parents and doctors, but through it all, David was the epitome of courage and strength, and truly an inspiration to all who knew him. Both a beautiful smile and friendly character were his trademarks.

David was a 2012 graduate of Smithfield High School and a member of the National Honor Society. He was a Junior at Rhode Island College, where he majored in Mass Media Communications, making the Dean's List. He served as a Senate Page for six years. He was also employed at the law office of Senator Stephen Archambault.

David was a vibrant young man who was full of life. He was very active in community service and volunteered for many organizations including the Matty Fund, A Wish Come True, Special Olympics, Best Buddies and Providence Back to School Celebration. He was a captain of Save-the-Bay Beach Cleanup and participated in the Smithfield Police Explorer Academy. He was an altar server at Saint Michael's Church in Smithfield, served as an Assistant CCD Teacher, and was a member of the Saint Michael's CYO Basketball Team.

David was loved and will be forever missed by his countless friends and family.  David was and continues to be a true inspiration to all who knew him.  A warm & giving heart and a strong & admirable character were David's trademarks.

To contribute to David's Foundation, donations can be made to The David Louis Cunha Foundation, 563 Log Road, Smithfield, RI 02917.