From left: Anna and Libby, sisters united forever through Anna’s Angels.
by June Portnoy
Bucks County’s Libby Caranci founded Anna’s Angels when her younger sister Anna Carpino was diagnosed with glioblastomabrain, a form of brain cancer, in 2019. The goal of Anna’s Angels is to provide much-needed financial and emotional support during the incredibly challenging time of fighting this disease.
Sadly, Anna passed away three years ago at the young age of 46, but Anna’s Angels lives on helping others battling brain cancer.
When asked how her sister might feel knowing she continues to run Anna’s Angels, Libby responded, “Anna’s compassion and dedication to helping others were a significant part of who she was, so knowing that her legacy would continue to inspire and support families would likely bring her immense joy. Anna’s Angels would be a testament to her enduring spirit and the positive impact she wanted to make in the world.”
Libby explained that Anna’s son, Mario, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was four. As a result, Anna became an advocate for her son, contributing to nonprofits like Alex’s Lemonade and Kisses for Kyle.
“Anna was a loving, supportive, and compassionate person who prioritized helping those in need,” added Libby. “Known for her generosity and advocacy for families facing childhood cancer, she raised thousands of dollars to support this cause.”
Thankfully, Mario is now a proud cancer survivor at age 21.
Libby is following her sister’s lead by advocating and supporting families enduring the medical, emotional, and financial toll of brain cancer. She is active in the Lower Southampton community running the Neshaminy Kids Club at the Tawanka Elementary School location, a before and after-school program that also offers summer camp. Libby encourages the kids at Neshaminy Kids Club to participate in fundraising and community service projects for Anna’s Angels, helping to raise monetary gifts and help families with financial hardships due to brain cancer.
Joey Myers lovingly holds his new pug, thanks to Libby’s act of kindness.
Thanks to their efforts, Anna’s Angels was able to establish the first annual Anna Carpino Scholarship Award this past May presented on what would have been Anna’s birthday. This Award was granted to high school students graduating in the 2024 school year or students enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university. Three $500 scholarships were awarded to applicants furthering their education at a technical school, two- or four-year college.
Award recipients had to be brain cancer survivors or have someone in their family with brain cancer. They were asked to write and submit an essay about their cancer experience along with their application.
“Anna never stopped praying for and supporting others, making her a true inspiration to her community, friends, and family,” said Libby. “Despite her own battle with brain cancer, Anna kept her spirits high and continued to fight bravely. Her legacy of kindness and dedication lives on through this scholarship.”
This year’s scholarship award winners were Timothy Fisher from Feasterville, a student at Keystone College whose mother is a brain cancer survivor; Angelina Ferrandino, also from Feasterville, a senior at Villa Joseph Marie whose grandmother passed away from brain cancer; and Vanessa Moresi, from Philadelphia, a student at Immaculate University and a glioma (brain tumor) survivor.
Libby also created a Facebook page known as Anna’s Angels, where raffles are held every few weeks. Proceeds from these raffles go towards the scholarship fund and support families with children battling cancer.
“Everyone loved Anna and I wanted to return her goodness to others,” said Libby.
Like Anna, Libby strives to go above and beyond to help those affected with brain cancer. When she learned about Joey Myers, a young boy currently battling a rare type of brain cancer who dreamed of receiving a pug service dog, Libby was determined to make his dream come true. Libby searched until she located a pug that she personally delivered to Joey’s home. She is currently researching ways to train this pug to become a service dog while Joey continues to battle his disease at the hospital.
Anna was never angry when she got sick or felt sorry for herself. She was always positive and never complained,” described Libby. “God puts all of us on this earth to serve a purpose. Libby’s purpose was to bless others and show others the meaning of kindness. I always thought my sister was too good to be here on earth. She certainly was an angel among us.”
To donate or learn more about Anna’s Angels, visit them on their Facebook page or email Libby directly at lcaranci@hotmail.com.