Bucks for Bennett By HFU Athletics

In April of 2013 Mary and Greg Pellegrino were excited to hear they were having a baby boy.  Due in September, Mary was having a comfortable pregnancy. Mango and avocado cravings along with periods of exhaustion were the worst of her symptoms. In June she began to experience pain in the upper right quadrant of her chest, and while teaching she felt 'funny'. A quick trip to the school nurse comfirmed her suspicion, something was wrong.  With a blood pressure of 166/110, Mary was admitted to Abington Hospital with HELLP Syndrome. She was only 25 weeks along in her pregnancy.  The next day, Bennett was born.  Weighing in at 1lb 2oz inches long, Bennett was considered a micro preemie.  Mary remained in the hospital with Bennett while doctors worked to stabilize her.  When she was finally dischargeed, Bennett's struggles began.  He was diagnosed with an intestinal perforation requiring immediate surgery.  He was transported to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and for the next 7.5 months, Mary and Greg prayed at his bedside while Bennett fought to live. It was the most difficult time of their lives.  Multiple surgeries, interventions, and 1,000 prayers later, Bennett was discharged and ready to come home. 

For the next two years, Bennett has grown into his own little man.  He continued to show his family just how much of fighter he really was, and how much he loved life.  Amongst his many doctor visits, therapy sessions and hospital admissions he HAS enjoyed trips to the zoo, the aquarium and Acadia National Park. He has spent time enjoying swimming, eating at Ted Montana's, playing with Elmo, listening to Sam Smith and playing in the local spray park. 

As Mary and Greg began preparing Bennett to attend preschool, Bennett started developing fevers.  At first these fevers would come and go or would go away with medicine.  Soon they began to staty and doctors didn't know why.  Back the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, they ran tests and found a mass on his liver that was the size of a softball.  He had a hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Mary and Greg found themselves again praying at his bedside while he fought to live. He spent his spring and summer recovering from surgery and fighting the side effects of his chemotherapy.  Mary and Greg rescheduled his Superman themed 3rd Birthday party from a weekend in June to August in hopes that he would be feeling well enough to go.  On the morning of his party, his doctors shared that we was considered in remission.  Bennett, Mary and Greg were able to celebrate surrounded by their loved ones.  

Bennett's journey has been long and hard, and is not without significant residual effects.  Cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment, hepatoblastoma and periventricular leukomalacia are just a few of the diagnoses that Bennett and his family are currently managing. 

Among Bennett's many medical conditions, he has a lot of special needs, many of which aren't covered by insurance.  One of the biggest hurdles finanically is the need to purchase a van that can equip Bennett's wheelchair. 

Any donation you could make, big or small, will be greatly appreciated by Bennett's family. Your donation will go towards the purchase of the specially equipped van.  

Holy Family athletics is honored to support Bennett's growth and development.  Bennett is our Superhero, and he continues to show his loved ones every day just how much of a fighter he really is. Thank you so much for your generousity and support.

Excess funds raised will be donated to 'BennettStrong Foundation' that the family is currently in the process of developing.