Andrea Damitio:
CLASS OF 1978
Marywood High SchoolClass of 1978
Orange, CA
Servite High SchoolClass of 1978
Anaheim, CA
La Serna High SchoolClass of 1978
Whittier, CA
Connelly High SchoolClass of 1978
Anaheim, CA
Saint Bruno Parish SchoolClass of 1974
Whittier, CA
Andrea's Story
Life
September 14, 2006
Hi All -
After over 25 years in non-profit administration, with a 2 1/2 year stint as the North America Marketing Director for a Danish playground company, I left work to care for my mother who had lung cancer. After her passing, I took a sabbatical to take care of her affairs and some of my own health issues. Planning to go back into the work force January 2006, I took advantage of my time off to volunteer for the American Red Cross to help with Hurricane Katrina. I deployed in October for the standard three weeks. I received a field promotion and was ask to stay for two additional weeks. John (my husband) graciously offered to hold down the fort at home and supported my staying on. As my return date neared, I was asked to stay another two weeks. Then I was asked to stay until Christmas, assuming we should be "done" by then. I worked in Client Services, supervising home visit teams and approving aid funds. Christmas time came and we were not EVEN close to meeting everyone's needs. I was based in Baton Rouge, and our "jurisdiction" was the entire state of Louisiana. I saw the writing on the wall, and agreed to come back and ride it out until the end after a few days home for Christmas with my family. We all didn't think it would be THAT much longer. As February neared, so did John and my 20th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day. So John got on a plane and worked with me side by side (he trained with me prior to my deployment) for our anniversary week. It was the best! Giving back and helping others with my soul mate!!! I ended up returning at th...Expand for more
e end of March. NOTE: There are a couple of articles written on my experience by our local paper, and can be found by googling - Andrea Damitio. There is also a small blurb in September's SELF magazine, under the 10 Most Aspiring Women.
John and I are now VERY involved with our local Red Cross chapter. I look forward to deploying again in the future wherever I'm needed.
Our daughter Jacque is 24, and is the Marketing & Event Coordinator for the Indianapolis Speedway. Allie (18) is a senior in high school, working three jobs. She is a model at Hollister, and a barista at two coffee establishments. She looks forward to going into marketing or forensics in college. Kevin just started middle school, and is in 7th grade. He is a jock, playing every sport he can. Currently he is playing football (wide receiver) and running track. He also plays basketball, baseball, and golf. He's also a "moose" compared to our petite daughters. Just turning 13 he is 5'9", 128 lbs., and wears a size 13 mens shoe! Obviously takes after daddy.
Our beautiful baby daughter Danielle would have turned 20 this past June. She passed away from SIDS at 6 1/2 weeks. Our little angel rests in the arms of my mom and dad.
Although in Washington State, we try to visit So. Cal as often as possible, as my birth mom (who I met 13 1/2 years ago) lives in Tustin.
I have MANY, MANY fond memories of my high school days, and would love to have my classmates from Marywood AND Servite drop me a line. I won't be down in October, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Andi Cusack
aka - Andrea Damitio
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