Donna Giffune, Author

Vision

My Vision...

In September 1992, Ben and I began our “official” journey through transformation. It has been 34 years as of this writing…in fact September 11, 2026 marks the “start date” of Ben becoming my teacher in the most realistic of ways. According to my Buddhist leanings, “When the student is ready, the teacher arrives…”

Through the years, Ben’s life uprooted my previous root system, shook out the stuff that didn’t belong and then replanted me in the fertile soil of lessons learned.

As Ben and I walked along, people came into our lives; they either fattened us up to gain more understanding or gleaned from us what we were already putting into practice in our daily lives. And what became “divine appointments” for the both of us, turned into the oft statement, “You have got to write a book.”

So I did.

What I hope people learn...

· Diagnoses do not determine life.
· Purpose is greater than fear.
· Hard things happen.
· We have a choices; become bitter or better.
· Where focus goes, energy flows.
· Love asks ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
· Love is all we got…and everything we need.

Watch Donna's Channel 13 Interview (click on picture)

Local mother inspired by son's health battle, enthusiasm for life to write Perfectly GuidedDonna Giffune has an extensive list of educational credentials. She has followed her passions in the pursuit of helping others; above all her son, Ben, who is an accomplished Special Olympian who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was six years old. In addition to a career in education, as a physical therapist […]

A middle...

...Soon after, the principal stepped out of her office, wearing a broad smile and a baseball cap, "Hello Ben, Welcome back to school," she said.

It dawned on me then that something extraordinary was unfolding. A lump formed in my throat, and tears began to well up in my eyes. I had seen moments like this on TV but never imagined it would be us. My son, in his oversized baseball cap, painfully skinny, frail and pale with dark circles under his eyes, stood there quietly, patiently waiting for the principal to lead the way.

The principal took his hand, "Come on Ben, let's go to your classsroom."

Stepping into the hallway, an uncexpected sight awaited Ben: the entire school community, children, teachers, and support staff alike, stood side by side, forming a path to his classroom. Each person donned a baseball cap and wore a broad smile. As Ben and the principal began their walk, the hallway erupted in cheers and applause, each greeting him warmly as he passed....

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