Help Elaine & family get through the unthinkable

On behalf of her best friends; Amanda, Katherine, Sandra & Tanya.

We’re here to raise funds for the family of Elaine Mandanici, 37 years old. A loving mother of Elisa (6), and Melina (5), wife (Rino), daughter, sister and friend to many. Elaine had the most devastating shock of her life. In April 2022, Elaine was diagnosed with stage 2, triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive type. From the moment she was diagnosed, she maintained a positive outlook and attitude and continued to enjoy all moments of life while maintaining normalcy and prioritizing her children’s wellbeing.

Over the course of the last 1.5 years, she has faced 3 rounds of treatment including chemo, radiation and even a trial treatment which she was told would be her “golden ticket” to recovery. She underwent a mastectomy and also had over 15 lymph nodes removed.

She celebrated remission in July of 2023 to be faced with the most devastating news 2 months later… Elaine had been having back pain since August and was it was confirmed in late September to have metastasized to the vertebrae. From August to end of September, she dealt with extensive pain, even more than during treatment, as the cancer had compressed her vertebrae causing a fracture to her spine. Barely mobile, she continued to be optimistic as she waited for more tests. Three weeks ago, before she could make it to her doctors appointment, Elaine was rushed by ambulance to the ER due to the level of unbearable pain.

In the last few weeks spent at the hospital, Elaine has moved from the ER to Internal Medicine and Oncology. Elaine and her family were told that her disease quickly progressed to other parts of her bones and organs. She was told she had incurable, stage 4 cancer. The last attempt made by doctors at elongating her life was a new type of treatment. She completed one round while hospitalized. Last Friday, marked a turning point for Elaine. She had 3 seizures and was admitted to ICU. Today, family and friends were told there is no longer anything that can be done… Heartbreak and devastation are words not even close to describing how everyone around her feels. Not to mention how her girls will feel when Rino will have the toughest conversation of his life. Telling his kids that they need to say “goodbye” to mommy and “I love you” for one last time….

Throughout all this, Rino has been spending all of his time by Elaine’s side while continuing to be there for his kids. Though family and friends have been able to help, it’s nothing in comparison to the support he and the children will need in the coming months.

The funds we are raising today are to help alleviate any additional pressure the family may have to face this upcoming year. For those who know Elaine, her smile, laughter, humor, and one of a kind personality will never be forgotten. She’d want to ensure there is no financial burden on her family and that her kids were being supported in the most meaningful way. Together, we’re hoping we can bring some small dose of light to this family in this dark time. This family should not be alone dealing with this. Your generosity will help ensure that they are not.

Thanking you in advance for your support.