10/07/2026
Thought we would share...
Maria Dellapina
Our 2026 Inspire Ambassador
Although we sail to amazing places, get empowered by insightful speakers, and dance nights away, that’s not the best
part of Buddy Cruise. It’s the connections we make with inspiring people from all
walks (and wheelchairs) of life. And no one embodies that spirit more than this
year’s Inspire Award recipient, Maria Dellapina. Though she comes from a small
town in Ohio, Maria’s impact can be felt by special needs families around the world.
Maria is the founder of SPECS4US, a company she created to provide specialized
eyeglasses for individuals with Down syndrome.
Maria is the proud mother of four children – Jamie, Anthony, Molly, and her angel
daughter, Erin – as well as a grandmother of seven. Despite the devastating loss of
her beloved Erin, who had Down syndrome and lost her battle with Moyamoya
in 2019, Maria continues to come aboard Buddy Cruise every year, generously
sharing her knowledge, love, and support as a treasured ambassador, presenter,
volunteer, and friend. As only Maria could do, she turned the loss of Erin into an
opportunity to give something meaningful to others. In 2019, Maria created Erin’s
Umbrella, which provides scholarships to first-time Buddy Cruisers, giving other
families the opportunity to experience the community Erin loved so much.
When Maria isn’t loving and supporting her family, running her company, or doing
whatever it takes to help Buddy Cruise, she is quietly connecting with special needs
families around the world – offering wisdom, encouragement, love, and support
without ever asking for recognition in return. Those who know her best describe her
as extraordinarily generous, selfless, loving, helpful, intelligent, and strong.
Maria doesn’t just inspire people through what she has accomplished. She inspires
us through the way she lives. The way she loves. The way she gives. And the way
she continues to turn even unimaginable loss into love for others.
We are so honored and blessed to have Maria as part of the Buddy Cruise family –
and so proud to celebrate her as this year’s Inspire Award recipient. (Credit Gina G)