Help, Hard Work and Happiness
Dr. Stephen Cenedella is no stranger to the value of hard work.
He took on his first jobs in fifth grade as a newspaper carrier and babysitter. He worked all the way through college to help support himself. Eventually, however, he began to realize that his hard work, though important, was not going to be able to get him through medical school. The increased rigor of his program left him no time for a job, and prospects for financial assistance were slim. Halfway through medical school, his money was almost gone and he truly needed help.
His chance for success came in the form of a grant in his junior year. The dean of his academic program called to tell him that he was going to receive a grant from someone who wanted to help. Now, Stephen wants to do the same.
Recently, Stephen began the Fox and Cenedella Endowment Fund at The Catholic Foundation, which benefits St. Patrick Church and School in Franklin, Pa. The fund is named for Stephen and his late wife, Marie Fox Cenedella. Both were very grateful for the help that allowed Stephen to complete his education and, in that spirit, they set on starting to give back to their schools, church and community.
With respect for Marie's keen attention to detail in the restoration of their church and her untiring dedication to her local community, part of the Fox and Cenedella Endowment Fund is dedicated to the further restoration and preservation of historic St. Patrick Church. The endowment fund will also support St. Patrick School, providing tuition support to students in need and maintenance for Cenedella Hall, a recent addition to St. Patrick School that was named for the Cenedellas after Marie's work with the school.
Stephen and Marie's legacy will benefit children in Catholic education forever. No price tag can ever be placed on the joy that comes in giving back!