Mother of Three Does it All, Despite Work and Different Schools

Sunday, April 21 is Volunteer Recognition Day. It kicks off a week dedicated to highlighting the good work that volunteers of all stripes do on a daily basis across the country.

We asked people through our Facebook and Twitter pages to let us know which volunteers in their lives should be highlighted.

Patch reader Kristy Sevag sent us Barbara's story, which we've shared below. Barbara is the co-owner of three area restaurants; Alfredo Italian in Berwyn, Casale in Newtown Square and Alfredo Pizza in West Chester.

If there is a volunteer in your life you think deserves to be honored, email Nathana@patch.com

To know Barbara Giannaccari is to love her.  She is an adoring wife, devoted mom, supportive friend and the biggest heart you will ever meet.  She puts everything she has into ALL that she does.

Barb is the doting mother of three fabulous children: Alfredo, Gabrielle and Sofia. Despite the fact that each of them attends different schools, she seems to be ever-present at all of them.  She participates in almost every school event; that is, if she is not chairing it!  

With her husband and best friend, Alfredo Sr., Barb owns and runs three bustling restaurants, which constantly demand her time and considerable abilities.  

As a friend, Barb has no equal. Whenever she hears that someone is feeling down or unwell, she sends over food to them immediately, and will not take no for an answer!  If she knows of a friend in trouble, she helps tackle the problem without being asked, praising and supporting others with her words and warmth all the while. Barb never judges or holds grudges.  If you are in need, Barb is on the job. Perhaps now you can understand why we say, "To know Barbara is to love her."

Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2009.  She endured a mastectomy, the removal of her lymph nodes, chemo and radiation; her treatment lasted two years.  Here is the rest of her story, in Barb's own words:

"In August of 2011, I went back to the doctor with a painful lump under my arm in the area where my lymph nodes were removed. My doctor was positive it was scar tissue and I had nothing to worry about. I asked him to scan it, but he was certain it was nothing. "

"In January of 2013, I went to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital for a regular check-up with my oncologist.  He questioned me about the lump under my arm, and ordered a biopsy the next morning. It was cancerous, and it had spread to several sections of my body. I am currently taking an oral chemo until I am rescanned in March."