Saints always choose the right timing to participate in our life. They patiently wait for the right moment of encounter with each individual soul. When the time comes, when their mission in our life begins, they fill us with longing and joy. 

Mariana Cuceu is not only a medical doctor and professor of clinical medicine but also volunteers as a cofounder and president of Saint Paraskeva Orthodox Charity (www.spcharity.org). Her encounter with Saint Paraskeva came after a long time of anticipation; today, their tight bond is making a tremendous impact on her soul and on the community she serves. 

In the United States of America, Dr. Cuceu’s life was intense; in spite of dealing with multiple serious health problems that kept her in bed for years and left her with permanent physical disabilities, she found the strength to keep up with her studies, attend conferences, and achieve a professional stance. Above all these things, however, Dr. Mariana Cuceu took the time to learn about the suffering of those around her and help the underprivileged children of Romania. A mission comparable to a Cross! Yet undertaking this cross of helping the neighbor, with the intercession prayers of Saint Paraskeva means following Jesus Christ.