LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — "She can be sassy; she can be sweet. She's really, really brave and stays really positive. Even when she's going through a lot," said Elizabeth Pantucci while describing her 11-year-old daughter, Violet. "She spends a lot of time in the hospital."
Because of what Violet's mother describes as a random gene deletion before birth, "I have a condition called lissencephaly, which causes me to have seizures," explained Violet.
Even though it poses many challenges, her family and her teachers in the Pittston Area School District say Violet still continues to inspire everyone around her
"But whenever she's up to it, she's in school. She's, you know, doing whatever activities she's able to," said Elizabeth.
"We look forward to seeing her when she's coming into the building," said Patrick Bilbow, Violet's Principal. "She brings a very positive attitude, and she just brightens the whole place up."
Much of Violet's personality was discovered after she was fitted with this augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC device, where she uses a sensor on her forehead to communicate her wants, needs, and commentary with this tablet...
Something her mother said has been life-changing.
but now they're hoping to raise money for something else to help broaden Violet's horizon
"We are fundraising money to buy a special VAN to get me in and out safely and comfortably. So I could go horseback riding, swimming at friends' houses, doctor's appointments, and for ice cream," explained Violet on her AAC device.
"We currently do not have an accessible vehicle, and that's something that a lot of families like ours struggle with," explained Elizabeth. "Because the cost is anywhere from like $70,000 to $90,000 for a specialized van."
Something her fellow students and teachers have supported by buying these t-shirts.
"Anything that we could do to help Violet in this great cause," said Bilbow.
But it's not only students standing behind her... these t-shirts were designed and sold by Luzerne County detectives who have chosen Violet as the beneficiary of their fundraising this year.
Not only through t-shirt sales, but a golf tournament too.
"It's really heartwarming. And considering what the detectives in our office generally see on a day-to-day basis, which is usually heartbreaking and horrible. You see, like just such an outpouring of love is really unbelievable to watch, and it's, you know, kind of it kind of motivates you to keep going every day," said Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedulce.
The golf tournament will be held at Fox Hill Country Club on July 22nd where detectives and golfers from all over the state will tee off to help raise money for Violet.
"People show up and are just incredible. And then to hear that, you know, the detectives wanted to help, that was just kind of over the top in terms of of support," said Elizabeth.
You can learn more about Violet on her Facebook page by clicking here.
You can support Violet's fundraiser for a van by clicking here.
If you are interested in participating in the golf tournament, contact Detective James Noone at james.noone@luzernecounty.org for information.