Retro Cafe's chef is on the road to recovery after a successful surgery.
In mid-June, the popular brunch spot temporarily closed for the summer, as owner and chef Corinne Lauro travelled to Kelowna for an operation to remove a tumour from her chest cavity.
The procedure went well with no complications. After four days in the hospital, Lauro was sent home in good spirits. She is now focusing on fully recovering her health and hopes to back on the pickleball courts and bike trails within a few weeks.
"I wanted to extend my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming support and encouragement," she said in a Facebook post on July 14. "Your financial contributions and comforting words meant the world to me during this challenging time. While recovery is progressing steadily, there is still a journey ahead, and patience remains key."
At Retro Cafe, Lauro cooks all the dishes herself and runs the restaurant with only one other staff member. As she is so dedicated to her business, it has been difficult for her to step back in such an unexpected way. She hopes to re-open in late August or early September and promises to post updates on her Facebook page (@retrocafecreston) when the time comes.
Her sister Sophie set up a fundraiser through GoFundMe to assist with loss of income and expenses during this time. To find the page, visit GoFundMe.com and search for “Corinne Lauro”. So far, $5,100 has been raised toward the $7,000 goal.
