Debbie Caputo Named Bolingbrook Patch Person of the Year
Caputo is an inspiration to Bolingbrook for her giving nature, her fierce battle with breast cancer and her work as a fitness instructor and personal trainer for the Bolingbrook Park District.
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With eight nominations, Debbie Caputo is our Bolingbrook Patch 2012 Person of the Year.
In the words of our readers, Caputo is an “absolute inspiration.” “The most selfless person I’ve ever met.” “A fighter.” “A ball of laughs.” “The heart of her family.”
Caputo, 44, is a 20-year resident of Bolingbrook. Her two daughters, Marissa and Alyssa, attend Bolingbrook High School. For seven years, she was a fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Bolingbrook Park District.
Seventeen months ago, Caputo was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now in hospice care as she nears the end of that battle.
As word spread of Caputo's health, hundreds of people visited her at home this week. Debbie's husband, Anthony, said 300 people had stopped by in just two days. The outpouring of visitors was a testament to Debbie, he said, who spends her life going out of her way to do good for others.
"She is always the first person to extend her hand to help someone," Caputo said. "She has a true love for children and all people."
“She’s so giving,” said her daughter, Alyssa. “She never asks for anything in return. She’s so loving. She will open her arms and home to anyone.”
Putting her own needs aside to focus on others is Debbie's trademark.
A few weeks ago, a friend called Debbie wanting to hold a fundraiser to help her pay medical costs. She said she appreciated the gesture, but that he or she should donate the money to the victims of Superstorm Sandy instead.
“She said that they were in a worse condition than she was,” he said.
Debbie's friends said she was a "fighter" who faced a rare form of breast cancer with a determination to survive.
“She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met,” said friend Tina Fini. “Through this whole ordeal, I’ve never seen her shed a tear.
She’s always worried about other people. She will call you from the hospital to see how you are doing. She’s an amazing woman.”
Margie Carcerano said she that after driving Caputo home following a chemotherapy treatment, Caputo started making soup for another woman with cancer.
"I am truly proud to call Debbie Caputo my friend," Carcerano said.
As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, Debbie Caputo took a singular interest in every person she taught, Anthony Caputo said. Her goal was to not only help people train but to give them a better quality of life, he said. That included helping several clients with poor health change their lifestyles.
“If she had helped one person, she had accomplished something that day,” Anthony Caputo said.
Barb Carens came to Caputo after being diagnosed with high cholesterol. After Debbie helped her improve her diet and her exercise regime, Barb’s cholesterol was reduced without medication.
Since Debbie loves to cook, one day Barb bought an eggplant to make eggplant parmesan. She called Debbie, who gave her the recipe while receiving chemotherapy.
John Chase, fitness sales manager for the Bolingbrook Park District, said one of his greatest joys of his job was the “opportunity to work with her.”
“I learned a lot from her. The things we did (at the park district) we would not have been able to accomplish had it not been for the things she brought to our program.”
As one reader said in her nomination:
"(Debbie) is a wonderful, kind, compassionate woman who has faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and she deserves recognition more than anyone else I can think of."
Let's give Debbie some love. Congratulate her in the comments.
TMI
6:46 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie is a true joyful, caring person. I have enjoyed getting to know her while working on a committee with her at the Park Dist.She puts her heart into what ever she does. She truely deserves this recognition. Also a big {{{{HUG}}}} to Debbie and Love @ U
Tina Invergo
Debbie G
6:49 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Bless her, and her beautiful family <3
AnnaMarie
8:03 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Even before Deb was a fitness trainer, she showed her love and compassion for children as Co-President with me at Pioneer School for several years. She was always the philanthropist in the group-- the one with all the caring and loving ideas with only the children in mind. My children and I have only beautiful thoughts of her and her family and love her with all of our hearts. Deb, you are an amazing person and some day God will be the lucky one to have you at his side. Thanks for all the good times, laughs and tears. Every moment will be remembered and missed.
AnnaMarie Flood and Family
GeorgiAnn Bethke
8:14 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
I worked with Debbie twelve years ago as a travel agent, she was the most helpful person, always glad to lend a hand. God bless you Debbie
Renee Mierop
8:17 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie so deserves this recognition! It's all been said, she goes out of her way to help others and has such a loving heart! I still think of her when I use healthy products she's recommended to me! I'm a better person for knowing her! Love you Debbie!
kimberly hanahan
8:35 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Deb and her family are a true inspiration to our community. What super role models for all of us.
Cindy Zamirowski
8:46 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Two years ago I met Debbie at the Park District and she changed my viewpoint about exercising for the better. I had the good fortune of being paired up with her as my aquatic trainer and what a difference she made in my life. I looked forward to our time together and sharing our "what's been happening in our life the past week." We became fast friends and we had something else in common that bonded us together. That was our breast cancer fight. Debbie is the bravest person I've ever known and her determination to overcome this insidious disease has left an indelible mark on so many of us who call her "friend." You, my dear friend, are leaving a legacy of compassion, love, and fight. Congratulations on this remarkable award and know that you are the most deserving I have ever known. I love you and am praying for you and your lovely family always.
Lori Miller
9:23 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
I met and started training with Debbie the first of this year. She quickly became a friend. Our sessions were filled with a lot of hard work, but also, a lot of smiles and a lot of laughter. She not only helped me transform my body, she taught me a lot about inner-strength as she's fought the good fight. Most importantly, though, she has touched my heart. Thank you for recognizing her; she is so deserving of this honor. Love ya, Deb!
Sabrina
9:47 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie was a super fitness instructor and a superwoman. She was sweet, compassionate and always willing to listen without judgment. She was always willing to "up" her game then she would encourage us to do the same. Debbie practiced what she taught! Throughout her health challenge she continued to smile and persevere. She was a fighter who gave freely of her time and energy. “The Patch” did a good job in selecting her as Person of the Year for she is and will always be a Superwoman! She walked the talk! Much love, peace and blessings to Debbie and the Caputo family.
Laura V
10:31 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
What a great article. Debbie is such a sweet, caring person. Congrats to Debbie and lots of hugs to her! Thank you Patch for the perfect choice of Bolingbrook Person of the Year!
Jack Benton
12:18 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
God Bless You Debbie...You are a true Inspiration!
Kerry Porazinski
1:36 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
I have been blessed to work with Debbie the past 5 years. If it was not for her I would not have pursued certain certifications. She always told me I could do it! Debbie was always concerned with others. Always asking about what was going on with me, while fighting her fight. The Caputo family has been blessed with an angel on Earth. A rare occurrence. Deb is so deserving of this. I could go on for hours. Love to The Caputo family!
Ursula Pahlow
1:38 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie, we first met you years ago as our grandson's soccer coach and were impressed by your dedication to the little kickers. Then, a few years later, you showed up in my aqua fitness class at the BRAC and impressed me with your enthusiasm in the water. I told you, you should become an instructor, .... and boy, you did! Then you kept taking it further, one step at a time, to teach on 'land,' to become a personal trainer, plus eventually, to take on work in the office.
It has been a pleasure working with you and to see you blossom in your field!
"How are we doing" is YOUR famous saying, and all your friends and clients connect it with you and the good times they had working with you.
This honor for you today, Person of the Year, is most deserving, as you have touched so many in so many positive ways!
Kathy Barri
2:36 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie congrats on Bolingbrook Patch Person of the Year! You deserve it you are the most motivating, energetic, positive person I know. My prayers are with you and yours!
Traci Falese
5:10 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie,
Congratulations on being The Bolingbrook Patch Person of the Year! You changed my life with your generousity and friendship. Your door and arms are always open. If anyone deserves this honor it is YOU! You have given of yourself to every corner of this community without question. I Love you Deb! I send you all my positive thoughts and prayers.
StephManis
6:26 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Debbie more than deserves this honor!! What an awesome, genuine and caring person. Having my butt handed to me in your fitness classes was amazing, and becoming your friend even more so. You have my and my families love and our prayers.
Ron Oestreich
5:18 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
Debbie! I cant possibly think of anyone more deserving of this award or any award for that matter. You are indeed an inspiration to everyone! All of my and my familys prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless you!! R
Pat Depre
7:03 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
No one deserves this award more! You are a true gem. I have never met anyone as nice and caring as you....My thoughts and prayers for you and your family....
Coleen Ciancio
1:41 pm on Saturday, December 22, 2012
I have known Debbie since high school and she is still the wonderful and caring person she was then. She is truly an inspriation to everyone around her and my thoughts and prayers are with her and her whole wonderful family as well! Love you Deb!!
SBF
11:20 pm on Saturday, December 22, 2012
Debbie has given to the community in so many ways that cannot be expressed by this award. When the day comes that she leaves this world, heaven will be a better place, our world will not. However, as she has taught and believed, when she says goodbye it's just for now, not forever.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Yours in Christ,
Your catechist friend forever in Southwest Florida
Jeanette
4:41 pm on Sunday, December 23, 2012
Debbie, you have had a great impact on my life. You encouraged me through my first triathalon sprint, nutrition, and several aquatic and land classes. I appreciated your positive attitude and enthusiasm most of all. Congrats on your Woman of the Year, you are most deserving. God bless you. I will always keep you and your family in my prayers. Jeanette O'Brien
Judy Czerwin
8:54 am on Monday, December 24, 2012
Debbie - I know of no one else more deserving of this award! It has been an honor and privilege to work with you at the park district and to call you my friend. Your kind words of support given to me and Ray will remain in our hearts always. May God's blessings be upon you and your family. You and your family will always be in my prayers!
Love you girl! Judy & Ray Czerwin
Donna
2:24 pm on Tuesday, December 25, 2012
RIP Debbie, God BLess Your Family. I did not know you well, but had the pleasure of working with you at Brooks concession on a few occasions.
GeorgiAnn Bethke
9:57 pm on Tuesday, December 25, 2012
RIP, I'll always remember you as a giving person God bless your family
Dana Malik
12:06 pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Debbie -
You were such a loving and caring person. I will truly miss you. God bless your family!
Gwyn Eggestein
10:13 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
I hear her voice in my head "you can do it, just one more or you have to do 5 more, put your legs into it, work harder, don't give up, Gwyn". I'm truely blessed to have had her as my trainer for Dance Your Gut Off program and water aerobics. I'm glad I was able to show her how I lost 70 lbs this year and tell her thank you. She said I'm Proud of you Gwyn. Gosh I will miss her smiling face. Thanks for writing this article. Such a wonderful recap of her impact on bolingbrook