Through the Lens 2026

There is so much more to associate with Ann’s Place than cancer—caring, compassion, support, and friendship. For the Del Vecchio family, it truly has been a family affair.

Our family has experienced cancer diagnoses involving six of our seven immediate family members, three of whom have faced multiple cancer journeys.

My late wife, Carol, had her first breast cancer diagnosis in the spring of 1986. It was the rare inflammatory breast cancer. Then, in April 2009, our second daughter, Laurie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, Carol was diagnosed with a more common form of breast cancer. In 2015, Carol developed myelodysplastic syndrome, and my daughter Amy suggested that I attend the Caregivers Support Group at Ann’s Place.

Attending those support groups was very helpful during such a difficult time. I met others who were also navigating cancer with a loved one, and together we found understanding and support as caregivers. After Carol passed away, I joined the Transitions Group, where I have found such wonderful support and formed new friendships that have extended beyond the meetings.

Ann’s Place offers so much to families touched by cancer.

As a prostate cancer survivor who is currently facing a second prostate cancer journey, the support and friendships I have found at Ann’s Place mean so very much to me.

In October 2018, my son, Dan, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. He underwent surgery and is doing well.

My daughter Laurie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2009, was then diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2020. During Laurie’s 2020 cancer journey, my eldest daughter, Debbie, received a breast cancer diagnosis on Christmas Eve 2020. Debbie and Laurie traveled their cancer journeys together.

In July 2023, my youngest daughter, Denise, received her breast cancer diagnosis. All three of my daughters underwent surgeries and treatments.

After Carol’s diagnosis, my daughters began breast cancer screenings at an early age. Carol and my daughters were tested and do not carry the BRCA gene.

I am grateful that all four of my children who have faced cancer are doing well. I am the proud father of five wonderful children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandsons.

Never would we have expected cancer to become a family affair. But with the support of Ann’s Place, we learned, we supported one another, and we overcame so much together as a family.

We are blessed.

Thank You for Supporting Our Models 

Thank you for supporting the models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens reception. Through photography, this event celebrates individuals whose stories reflect the experiences of many neighbors whose lives have been touched by cancer. 

Your donation directly supports local families by helping fund vital services for individuals and their loved ones as they navigate their cancer journeys. 

Join Us at the Reception 

We invite you to join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration. Tickets available at AnnsPlace.org.  

• Date: September 24,2026 6pm
• Location: Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT
• What to expect: View stunning photographs, meet the models and photographers, connect with other Ann’s Place supporters, and enjoy tastings from local restaurants. Cash bar.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: Through The Lens