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Allies unite
SEPTEMBER 1 , 2011
A pair of locals will depict several World War II real-life figures who fought for equality for America. By Emily Buccieri Review Intern
M
any Americans can recall the faint echo of the familiar opening line of the U.S. Constitution “We the people…” from past years of education. However, America’s relatively short journey, which has been plagued by issues of racism and sexism, has left the meaning of “We” slightly ambiguous. “World War II was a pivotal moment in history where we redefined what it means to be an American citizen,” Nora BergerGreen, the director of theater programs and co-artistic director at the National Constitution Center in Old City, said. The National Constitution Center celSee WE THE PEOPLE page 9
Sports
Joanna Galdo holds a sketch of her and cousin Justin Galdo that they had drawn at a Phillies game. He and brothers Joseph and Louis Galdo have been among her many supporters as she strives to give them plenty more smiles to enjoy. S ta f f P h o t o b y G r e g B e z a n i s
Mind over chatter A Packer Park resident is attempting to counter a troubling timetable in her battle against cancer.
By Joseph Myers
No Peter-ing out
A Marconi teen continued his baseball odyssey with a trip to the Twin Cities last month. By Tim Johnson...............Page 33
R e v i e w S ta f f W r i t e r
J
oanna Galdo chose to become a teacher, but fate has rendered her a fighter. For the last 12 years, the resident of the 3100 block of South 18th Street has matched her resolve against brain cancer’s advance, enduring four surgeries to combat her affliction’s might. Only 30, the stouthearted figure learned in July that she
might succumb to her equally unflinching opponent within the next year. Galdo fainted two days after having her wisdom teeth removed in August 1999, with an X-ray computed tomography and an MRI revealing a diffuse astrocytoma, a relatively slow-growing tumor. Her medical team proceeded to remove the benign intruder’s visible portions Sept. 10, ’99, the day before her 19th birthday. An elementary and special educations major
at LaSalle University at the time, Galdo aimed to overcome misfortune, much like she had successfully done at age 9 when she lost her mother to breast cancer. “I was shocked, devastated and scared,” she said from the home she shares with Loretta Galdo, the grandmother who reared her. “However, I decided I had to fight and to win.” See GALDO page 8