‘Light despite the darkness’: Montreal mother launches book about caregiving & loss of her son

It’s a story that impacted many Montrealers and one that CityNews brought to you in Dec. 2021 when we spoke with Jason Di Tullio — pro-soccer player and CF Montreal assistant coach, who was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma during that year.

Two years after his untimely death, his mother, Giulia Garofano, is continuing his legacy by launching a book on what it means to be a caregiver, and share his message of La Grinta — having grit — with the world.

“Grief is too hard to bear, and I choose joy,” said Garofano. “I know it’s what he would want.”

“An immense loss,” she explained. “But through this book that I did it was to tell people that there is light despite the darkness.”

Growing up in Montreal’s RDP – that’s also what Di Tullio did – shared his light with the community.

The 38-year-old had traveled the world, shared kindness, a laugh, and smile everywhere he turned.

“I want to help people,” said Garofano. “Read my book, it’s a nice book, it’s funny, it’s silly, it’s sad at times, it’s about caregiving.”

“Very important that you’re not alone,” she added. “We hear you, we see you.”

Garofano lived with her son while he battled the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

A difficult year, but those moments together she said, she will cherish forever.

“I’m proud of myself because I know by writing this book, my son would be proud of me,” said Garofano.

The community, also proud.

Dozens came together at the launch on July 29^th – which marked two years since Di Tullio’s passing.

Yellow flowers filled the hall – a symbol representing him.

“I’ve known Julie, I call her Julie, since we were 15 years old,” said Elda Ruffolo, who attended the book launch. “We went to school together, we worked together, we traveled together.”

“I was there when Jason was born, I am so proud of this woman.”

“She has no limits, she’s strong, she’s fearless,” she added. “And she’s got the greatest heart ever.”

“I’m a big fan of Jason Di Tullio and I feel like somehow we have this connection,” said 13-year-old, Chelsea Madimenos Romanik. “I’d love to have a book of my own signed by her.”

The project took Garofano and her publisher – Agata De Santis – 10 months to put together.

“My story kind of relates to her story,” said Antoinette Ribuffo, who also attended the launch on Monday. “Because my son passed away 44 years ago with a neuroblastoma, a tumor in the abdomen.”

“So when I was invited I kind of felt the same feeling she had, even though it’s been so many years but it’s always there.”

When CityNews spoke with Di Tullio back in 2021 – he thanked his parents for bringing him to every soccer practice as a kid which led him to making his mark in the soccer community.

“Family is super important,” said Di Tullio in 2021. “Don’t lose a day.”

“Hug them tell them you love them and don’t take it for granted.”

Now Garofano has a message of her own.

“Be kind to yourself,” she explained. “Grief is hard, take your time, nobody can tell you how long it takes to go over grief.”

“But remember,” she added. “When you fall, you’ve got to pick up again.”