Vladimir, Our Hero

Francesca’s Restaurant Group, FRG, has been a Chicago icon for over 26 years with the original Mia Francesca starting the Trattoria style restaurants back in 1992.  Over the years, FRG has grown with 17 locations as well as other concepts such as Davanti Enoteca, Fat Rosie's, Disotto, and Hillgrove Tap.  We have been blessed with great staff who are hard working, loyal, responsible and a big part of the FRG family.  

Serena Schneider, an original and long time bartender at Davanti Enoteca in Western Springs, has been a staple behind the bar for over 5 years.  Serena has been a great team player, fantastic bartender, and all around great person.  She has built wonderful relationships with many regular customers and is always quick to put a smile on your face.  

Recently, Serena received tragic news that her son was diagnosed with kidney cancer, Wilms' tumor.  They were in the hospital for 8 days and are so happy to be home beginning the recovery journey.  The size of the tumor has taken over the left side of his body from chest to hip. Vlad has had a blood transfusion, and surgery to insert a port line in his chest for his chemotherapy. Besides the high blood pressure, Vlad is responding very well to the chemotherapy. The plan is to complete the 6 week chemotherapy, with the hopes of the tumor shrinking to a size that can be removed with surgery, along with the removal of his kidney. If he responds exceptionally well, they will opt for round 2 of chemotherapy in hopes to shrink the tumor even more prior to surgery. Vlad has maintained his amazing spirit, and with the support of his mom, Aunt Danielle, Grandma Delphine and all of us, we know he will come out of this as perfect as he started. 

We are reaching out to everyone to continue to send prayers and assist the family with some financial relief during this time. Medical bills, at-home-healthcare and the ability to give Serena some time off of work to comfort Vladimir, are just some of the ways in which our support will assist the family during this time. 

On behalf of Serena and Vladimir, thank you in advance for all your love and support.




Shiri Nissim, 
On Behalf of the Schneider Family & Francesca's Restaurant Group