"Building the JoeAbate Charitable Foundation often feels like a double-edged sword. It was created after a life-altering loss, when I was handed a fate that I never could have imagined, a fate without Joe. On the other hand, I’m grateful to have the ability to honor my husband’s legacy by impacting the lives of children and their families, giving them a chance at a better future. I think in doing so I’ve found a renewed passion for creating a future for myself with meaning and purpose, a future that I’m proud of. 

Life isn’t perfect and at some point, we all face loss and change that’s out of our control. It isn’t easy, but if you can find even one small thing each day that sparks your joy, lean into that, and embrace all the messiness and the risk that comes with following a passion, you can find your own forte. 

Creating the foundation has come with so many emotions, but I think the feeling of gratitude comes out on top. To see family, friends, and even strangers come together to support our two foundation programs has truly been humbling. To hear from the families who received our care kits, or financial assistance during their stays in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU, knowing even the smallest gesture made them feel supported in their journey is an honor. 

In grief, and certainly in becoming a widow at 29 years old, there is such a feeling of isolation, of losing who you are and your purpose in this life. So, for me, having the foundation has really helped me find a place in this world that makes a difference in the lives of others. 

If someone had asked me about finding my forte before losing Joe, I would try to come up with a few things I was semi-good at. But now I think it’s not so much finding what you’re good at, but finding what inspires you, what makes you proud of your life, of yourself."