When I was a child my mother was always one of those volunteers who knocked on her neighbors’ doors to collect for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other organizations.

When I was just in the fourth grade she was quick to realize she could send me out the door to do her bidding. Once I grew up, and had a family of my own, I found myself once again collecting for heart disease, breast cancer and other aliments. The difference now is you mail out envelopes, you don’t go door to door. You sadly no longer meet your neighbors.

After a few years of collecting and seeing how most people never responded, I found I did have one constant, Bonnie Devine.

Bonnie was always prompt and generous. I was so touched by her generosity that I had to write her a personal thank you. I had to let her know how she brightened my day by knowing I would have at least one donation to mail back (besides my own).

I figured we would never meet, even though she just lived up the street from me, as most suburban neighbors sadly rarely meet, then one day a friend of mine invited me to a party. She said she had also invited a neighbor of mine. She further stated her name was Bonnie Devine. Would it be that I would finally meet this divine person. We met and have been friends ever since, and I continue to learn about the strength and generosity of this charismatic individual.

Bonnie’s given name was Bonnie Iris Schwag. She married into the Devine. She has one daughter, Rebecca Devine and one granddaughter, Amanda Devine. All three were born on Nov.7, another one of her divine qualities. Along with happiness, she has had many tragedies in her life.

A person who can truly turn lemons into lemonade, Bonnie has managed to turn these events into positive times. Bonnie was first diagnosed with cervical cancer back in 1979. She now suffers with debilitating lymphedema in one of her legs. Lymphedema is caused by a blockage of the lymph nodes ? vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed. The swelling it causes makes it painful and difficult to maneuver. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. It was at that time that she found her true strength.

One of Bonnie’s first ventures was to help establish a support group for women with breast cancer at Lankenau Hospital. She was really surprised to find no such group existed at Lankenau. They called themselves the “Rad Pak.” She and a few other women had the support of Dr. Marisa Weiss. They established and ran the group for about five years, a common lifespan for groups of this nature. The women have now become long time friends. Bonnie further ventured into the “Race for the Cure,” now the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and formed a team. As captain, her small team over the years has raised close to $100,000.00 for the cure of breast cancer.

After Bonnie retired she knew she had to put her skills to use, in a positive fashion. She joined a humanitarian group called “The St. Augustine, Baracoa, Friendship Group.” The St. Augustine-Baracoa Friendship Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose objectives are to establish, promote and foster a spirit of friendship with the citizens of Baracoa and in particular, with small, independent groups and associations of handicapped and/or disadvantaged people in the town of Baracoa, Cuba.

With this group she travels to Cuba once or twice a year, at her own expense, to help those who cannot help themselves. Over the years she has personally helped to send bikes, medical supplies, bedding supplies and more to a local hospital.

She will also host a fund raiser at Tyme Gallery, in Havertown, this fall for the group. Bonnie will be selling a book called “La Magia de sus Pintores, The Painters’ Magic.” This book allows others to learn about some of the many talented artists in Baracoa. As a lover of the arts and people, helping the artists in Baracoa has become a new passion for her.

A passion for life has really kept Bonnie Devine moving forward. And while many of us may tire just reading about all the things Ms. Devine has accomplished, there is no doubt, that she is a divine inspiration.

For more information about St. Augustine, Baracoa, Friendship Group, you can visit them at www.StAugustine-Baracoa.org.