Diana Rascano (Leadership Macomb 1 graduate)

There are those that "talk the talk", and then,  there are those that 

"walk the walk".  

Diana Rascano is the poster child for the latter.

 A retired DTE employee, Diana graduated from Leadership Macomb 1 and has stayed involved with the program ever since (15 years). She chairs the Program Council, which is the group that develops the curriculum for the Leadership Macomb classes. She also serves as secretary of the the LM Board is on the Board of Directors for the Macomb Food Program. Additionally, she is on the St. Clair Shores Communications Commission and participates in a variety of other local committees. But that's just the beginning.

Just over a  year ago,  Diana crossed paths with Gina DeLuca, a vet tech with a heart of gold and a ton of compassion for our four- legged friends.  Through Gina, Diana (a self-proclaimed cat lover), learned that there are many cats and dogs that are rescued from abusive situations and are in dire need of medical help.  She learned that the abuse and neglect occurs more frequently and is more severe than most of us would like to admit.   Further, she learned that these animals are typically put to sleep because getting them back to health is very costly and there is no funding available.   Diana knew that if money was available to get these animals healthy, they could then be placed in a loving home.   Diana began her crusade of educating others about this situation.  She contacted friends and  fellow LM alumni, Cheryl Wojtowycz, and Jimetta Lewis.  "We  agreed that the missing link was the medical piece and this is the niche where we could make a difference", explains Diana.  The group raised money through various fundraisers, and quickly began funding  medical treatment for abandoned/neglected/abused companion animals.  The group adding members Cynthia Wojtowycz, Pam Willer and Jenn Maurin, also formulated relationships with rescue groups and pet care services. 

Once they saw the positive difference they were making, they decided to go to the next level by forming their own non-profit and "4 Paws 1 Heart" was born.  Over the last year, 4 Paws 1 Heart has helped many, many furry friends.  They've saved several dogs/cats from euthanization by providing funding for necessary medical treatment.  Once these innocent creatures regained their  physical and emotional health, they were able to be placed in "forever homes".   Besides funding medical treatment, the group  continues to build awareness about the seriousness of animal abuse and the lack of proper justice for those responsible for these atrocities.  

As far as Leadership Macomb, Diana says that  "Going through Leadership Macomb was very beneficial for me.  The program educated me as to what was going on in the County at the time and whet my appetite to get involved and affect issues in the region.   The program not only motivates leaders to get involved, but also provides a networking component that is invaluable on both a professional and personal level." 

Diana attends as many Leadership Macomb sessions as she can and participants often have an opportunity to  hear her "talk the talk" about leadership. More importantly, they witness the footprints she leaves behind from "walking the walk"  so eloquently.

To find out more about "4 Paws 1 Heart"  look for their page on face book  and also on  Pet Finder.