When sisters gather in support of a Tri Sigma, it is always a powerful experience. Rose Trahan Cipriano – Alpha Phi, and her family were victims of a horrible violent attack. On April 16th, 2013, Tucker Cipriano and Mitchell Young broke into the family home while under the influence of substances, and brutally attacked the family. Bob Cipriano, Rose’s husband, sadly did not survive. Rose and her 17-year-old son, Sal, were critically hurt. Sal’s twin, Tanner, and the family’s 8-year-old daughter, Isabelle, escaped the attack. Both Rose and Sal are still in serious condition.
But the community that supported this family would not allow this family to recover alone. On Friday, June 8th, more than 2000 men and women gathered to demonstrate support for a family that experienced incredible tragedy. Tri Sigma women from a number of cities also gathered to participate in the Cipriano 5K in Farmington/Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Bags with composite photos to kick off the Cipriano 5K gathering. (Photo: Jerri A. Smith)
Leslie and Deb share a big Sigma smile! — with Leslie Baldwin Howell and Deb Ply Saunders. (Photo: Jerri A. Smith)
The Cipriano Classic, a 5-K run and walk to benefit the Cipriano Children’s Trust Fund, went far beyond organizers’ expectations. Race directors thought having a thousand runners and walkers would mean success. More than 2,000 participants gathered together, and among those 2,000 participants, Tri Sigma’s demonstrated the values we hold so dear.
“We felt the bonds of sisterhood so strongly. Wisdom, faith, hope power and love, the values of Tri-Sigma, were so evident. Alpha Phi sisters of Rose reunited from many states. Many had not been in contact for over 30 years. Over 2100 people walked in the event that was planned for 500 and the community support for the family was amazing. Sisters shared an evening of reminiscing and writing notes of support to Rose and her family,” Arlene Reid Ball said after the event.
Photo Credit: Jerri A. Smith
She continues, “What was amazing is that individually, we have been following the Cipriano story, through the Cipriano Support Page. Leslie Baldwin Howell started a Sigmas Support the Ciprianos event page and designed t-shirts. Suzanne Schulz organized a dinner, meeting, and hotel room for Tri Sigma’s to gather, and most incredibly, most of these sorority sisters had not been in touch or seen each other for 30 years. Pledge books were enjoyed, songs sung and memories resurrected. Sisters started looking for and contacting other initiates of the Alpha Phi chapter. Most knew Rose in college, but some just wanted to support a fellow Tri-Sigma. There were many mixed emotions: concern and gut-wrenching dismay for what happened to Rose and her family, yet joy at sharing this time with fellow sisters. The love for Rose and the energy present was amazing. We were only a small part of the total community support that has been surrounding this family.”
The Cipriano and Trahan families released a powerful joint statement to update supporters on how the family has responded to this outpouring of support.
Tri Sigma women from far and wide gathered together to show support for the Cipriano family. (Photo: Jerri A. Smith)
“The Cipriano and Trahan families are forever indebted to those individuals and institutions that have volunteered, supported, and contributed toward helping the family. All of you have helped restore our faith in humanity and the strength of community. This tragedy has leapt into the family rooms of the entire community and sparked dialogue between parents and children about what’s important in life: faith, values, and love. Bob Cipriano did not die in vain, he would be proud that his death was the impetus for such an important dialogue.
As with any traumatic brain injury, there are deep and unanticipated consequences. We realize that the community yearns to know that Rose and Sal are healing. We answer that question in the affirmative, they are healing. Prayers work. We’ve remained guarded in our announcements through the Cipriano Support Group on Facebook and from Botsford Hospital because we’ve learned that there are good days and bad in the recovery process. Both patients have enjoyed and endured both.
The recovery road ahead is long and wrought with many peaks and valleys. We ask that you continue to extend your prayers and thoughts for the family. Please refrain from requesting to visit Rose or Sal. When they are ready to entertain guests, they will in all their glory. However, for the time being neither of them are able to have visitors outside of immediate family. Tanner and Isabelle, with the help of the Cipriano and Trahan families, continue to lead as normal a life as possible under the circumstances.”
Gathered on race day.
Please join the Cipriano Support Group page on Facebook for further updates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/135251546599628/
Rose’s daughter was given a bag with a shirt and purple beads that matched ours, thanks to Leslie. Her brother, Tanner, who was able to call 911, has demonstrated such maturity. He gave the eulogy at his father’s funeral and a wonderful speech at the 5K. He created the phrase JKLP which we wore on our shirts. “Just Keep Loving People”
We had goosebumps and chills at the power of faith, hope and love present that day and evening. Prayers for the family for healing are still needed. Both Rose and Sal are now in rehab facilities and making slow progress. We are hoping that there is another run next year and that Rose can join us!
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Exclusive-Tanner-Cipriano-delivers-speech-at-5k-fundraiser/-/1719418/14753524/-/b9dndl/-/index.html
I found the eulogy that Tanner gave for his dad.
http://www.themichigancatholic.com/2012/05/brother-asks-forgiveness-for-sibling-accused-in-fatal-attack/
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I will continue to keep Rose, Sal, and the rest of the family in my prayers.