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Tears Flow For NJ Mom, Non-Profit Founder Who Fought Fiercely For Kids With Disabilities
North Jersey single mom Joanne Bastante-Howard worked tirelessly for years to help provide critical resources for kids who, like her young son, John, have Down syndrome.
Bastante-Howard, a former advertising and marketing whirlwind, was personally responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help obtain critical medical, education and therapeutic services for those in need through the non-profit she founded, America's Special Kidz (A.S.K.).
Parents of children with a wide range of circumstances -- including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and mitochondrial disease…
'You Matter': Gabriel Perez Of Wyckoff Dies, 19
"You matter."
Those are the words Gabriel "Gabe" Jose Perez is wearing printed on his yellow hoodie in the photo on his obituary.
It's the message that the 19-year-old Wyckoff resident's family is hoping to send to others like Gabe battling depression, after his death Feb. 3, 2022.
Gabe is survived by his doting parents, Gabriel S. Perez and Rosa Perez Marmol; supportive sisters, Janille G. Fagundo and Anabel Perez; and his adoring niece, Emmalie Fagundo.
Born on May 13, 2002 in New York, NY, after defying many odds, Gabe brought so much joy and warmth to those around him.
Those who k…
