Brothers Mario Christian and Luca Daniel Lavorato know the realities of living with Cystic Fibrosis; they have lived with it their entire lives. When Mario Christian was born, he had severe intestinal complications, and was rushed to the Newton Glassman Charitable Foundation Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Glassman NICU) at Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health System. He then spent several months in the Glassman NICU and at The Hospital for Sick Children. His brother, Luca, was diagnosed with CF during his mother’s pregnancy.
“Mount Sinai saved my life,” says Mario, now 32. “Without the care I received, I wouldn’t be running my business today. Cystic fibrosis will always be a part of my life, but as an entrepreneur, I have more time for my treatments.”
Mario and Luca are the co-founders of Daniel Christian Tang, Canada’s first luxury 3D jewelry brand. While studying architecture at the University of Toronto, Mario and friend Heng Tang started creating 3D models of buildings. By the end of their thesis, they realized their designs for buildings could be translated into pieces of art. This hobby turned into a profession as the technology evolved, and they began using fine metals to create wearable pieces of architecture.
“We are the only luxury jewelry company in Canada to make this kind of high end jewelry with a 3D printer,” says Mario. “When I heard about Bridgepoint’s fundraiser, The Great Jewellery Heist, I thought it was a great way to give back to the community.”
Daniel Christian Tang is donating several high end pieces of jewelry to The Great Jewellery Heist, a luncheon on October 28 in support of Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, part of Sinai Health System. Tickets are sold out, but you can still donate to The Great Jewellery Heist.