GAINESVILLE—The University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band is rallying behind one its members, Melinda Cindea of Gainesville, who lost her mother earlier this week to colon cancer.
Diana Cindea, 57, passed away Monday. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hall County.
Jaime Radicioni plays tenor saxophone alongside the younger Cindea in the band, and has started a fundraising campaign to make a donation to CASA in the elder Cindea's name.
"I asked (Melinda) what we as Redcoats could do to help her, and in lieu of flowers or donations to the family, they asked us to donate to CASA. .. It was something very near and dear to (Diana's) heart, and they felt that the best way to honor her memory would be to collect money to give to them," said Radicioni.
Thus far, Radicioni has collected around $75, but said that initial outpoor came within minutes of her first call for donations after the band's practice Tuesday night. She intends to continue asking for donations through the end of next week.
"Redcoats is a family, first and foremost for me. That's why I love it, and Melinda believes that with her whole heart. And when you're a part of a family like that, you take care of your own. And when something hits hard for one of your friends, it's going to hit hard for you. We're just trying to send her as much love and support and help as we can," said Radicioni.
According to Diana Cindea's obituary, she was originally from Cincinnati, OH, and moved to Georgia to raise her family with her husband, Dr. Eugene Cindea.
She has two other children: Matthew and Suzanne, also of Gainesville.
Funeral services are set for Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch.
CASA Executive Director Connie Stephens issued the following statement on behalf of the compay:
"Diana Cindea will be dearly missed by her CASA Family where she served on the Board of Directors. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is a non-profit organization with the mission to ensure abused and neglected children have the right to a safe and permanent home.
The Hall-Dawson CASA Program is very saddened by the loss of Diana. She was an amazing individual who gave back to the community, CASA and the children we serve while she bravely fought this horrible disease we call cancer. She was instrumental in developing WWW (Women Working Wonders) to benefit the children we serve. WWW not only raised funds and awareness for children in our community, but was promoted to other CASA Programs around the United States. Her legacy will continue in the lives of countless children and will impact future generations."
Memorial donations can be made online at www.halldawsoncasa.org. We will send a card to Diana's family acknowledging your contribution in her memory."
