My husband and I moved to New Market in 2010. I was born and raised in North Carolina, but we moved here shortly after we got married. I went to a small private college in North Carolina where I met my husband, Vince Giganti. He is from Damascus MD but ended up in NC on a lacrosse scholarship. I work for the Food and Drug Administration and Vince works in sales. We have four wonderful children. We have three sons, ages 15, 11 and 8 and one daughter who just turned 6 in July. In our off time you will find us at lacrosse field, football field or basketball court. In addition to the sports, we are working on creating a non-profit in honor of our daughter and all her struggles. Our daughter was born with a rare genetic disorder and has over 24 medical diagnosis and has spent weeks and months at a time in the hospital. Once a year we host an event called Mighty Maddie’s Mission and we collect items for care packages that we donate to Children’s National Hospital and Frederick Memorial Hospital.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Our boys love all things sports. The oldest plays lacrosse and football at Oakdale High School as well as year around lacrosse, our eleven-year-old plays lacrosse for Tribe, year around lacrosse, AAU basketball and basketball for LOUYAA, and the youngest son plays lacrosse for Tribe, year around lacrosse and basketball for LOUYAA. Our daughter just turned six and was born with a very rare genetic disorder. There are only two people in the world with her deletion. She has overcome so much in her short time here but brings our family and community so much joy.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I currently work for the Food and Drug Administration. I have worked for the FDA for 13 years. I love that the work I do serves the Amercian public, and I love the work/life balance that the FDA provides.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in New Market for 13 years. Before our daughter was born, I was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA, in Frederick County. As a previous child in the foster system, it meant a lot to me to give back to my community in this way and my hope is that when my daughters health is more stable that I can go back to doing CASA work in Frederick County.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. Just be kind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My bucket list isn’t very long but at the top of it is turning our small charity into an official non-profit within the next year!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The small town feel. I am from a small town in NC so moving to Maryland was a big change but living in New Market gives me the same small town feel I am used to and love!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living here in New Market, with mostly grown children, hoping they are back home visiting as much as possible, traveling with my husband and living our best life!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
This one is hard since I tend to be a pretty open book, but many may not know that I spent my 18th birthday in Guatemala doing missionary work. Can’t wait to go again once my kids are older!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Mountain Air NC-nothing beats the views of those mountains
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas! The love and anticipation that my kids have throughout this holiday is amazing. We have many traditions and do a lot during the Christmas holiday. We have a really big and really close family, and we do a lot together during the season. Nothing beats time with extended and close family!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Good Health! Many people, me included, take it for granted but good health is PRICELESS!
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
The birth and life of my special needs daughter. She has taught me that life is extremely precious and not guaranteed. She has a strength, resilience and happiness that are unmatched. She has taught me more in her short life than I would have ever known possible.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Joy Young who is my Godmother. I haven’t gotten to sit and enjoy time with Joy Young since I was a child- I would love to reconnect and catch up on life. We would probably try out Vintage. I haven’t gotten to visit since the new owners have taken over. It’s on my list of restaurants to try soon.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safety, Comfort and LOVE
