Help Raul Fight Cancer and Support His Young Family

Hello all, My name is Emily Dellacroce, from GP Italiano in La Grange, IL. If you know GP, you know we’re a family-owned, community-driven restaurant specializing in homemade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas. You may have seen our gold mobile pizza oven at local events — it’s a symbol of the heart and soul we put into everything we do.

But today, I’m writing to you not as a business owner, but on behalf of someone incredibly special to us: Raul Campos Rivera, a beloved member of our GP Italiano family.

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About Raul

Raul, an invaluable member of our team. Raul is a proud 2025 graduate of Lyons Township High School, and at just 18 years old, he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

He has been with us for three years, consistently working full-time throughout his high school years. If you've ever ordered a pizza, chicken parm, or anything else from our woodfired oven, then Raul has been a part of your GP Italiano experience. You can also find him working alongside Chef Joe at all of our mobile pizza oven events.

Beyond his hard work, Raul brings so much light and joy to our team. He’s not just an employee — he’s family.

Raul is also a proud father to his one-year-old son Liam. He became a father to in July 2024 at just 17 years old. This was a significant life change, as he transitioned from his teenage years to fatherhood very quickly. Despite the challenges, Raul embraced his role as a parent. He continued to work full-time both before and after Liam's birth, and he also successfully completed and graduated from high school this past spring. His dedication to providing and caring for his son is truly inspiring.

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A Devastating Diagnosis

On June 22nd, 2025, Raul was diagnosed with an aggressive cancerous sarcoma that started in his foot. At just 18 years old, he’s now undergoing intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatments multiple times a week — a process expected to last the next 9 months.

This life-changing diagnosis came as a shock to Raul and his loved ones. He will soon no longer be able to work, as his treatments and recovery become a full-time responsibility.

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Why We’re Asking for Help

We are raising $10,000 to support Raul and his family during this incredibly difficult time. The funds will go toward:

• Medical and treatment-related expenses

• Rent and household bills

• Essential needs for Raul’s recovery

• Baby supplies and necessities for his son, Liam

At GP Italiano, we’re doing everything we can to support Raul, but as a small business, we simply can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re reaching out to our community — to help lift Raul up when he needs it most.

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How You Can Help

Whether you can give a donation, share this campaign, or offer words of encouragement, it all makes a difference.

This has been a humbling experience for all of us. Raul never imagined he’d be in this position, but he is so grateful for every act of kindness.

From Raul, his family, myself, and our entire GP Italiano team — thank you for your compassion and support. ❤️