Anyone who knows me personally will know that, “Asking for help is not within my comfort zone.”  However, out of necessity I am asking for help for my “Great Nephew Johnny.”                                                       Baby Johnny

     After a long and laborious delivery that nearly took the life of both mother and child, Johnny was born prematurely at a mere 2 lbs.  8 oz.  Upon examination it was determined that Johnny suffered from severe, health issues which include heart, lung and kidney disease.  

     Johnny is now 18 months old and has undergone a total of 8 major surgeries and remains with serious upper respiratory problems, one operating kidney, heart disease as well as many other health issues.  He requires a tracheotomy, oxygen and a feeding tube 24/7,  his condition continues to be fragile with no definite prognosis.  
    Johnny's 1st Birthday with parents Christopher and Jen St Mary's 
  
    Johnny has spent his entire life thus far either in the  NICU unit at Stonybrook Hospital on LI, or has been transferred from one specialty hospital to another in all areas of NY depending on his needs at the time.  

JOHNNY HAS YET TO MAKE HIS WAY HOME!                                                    

     Presently Johnny is residing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Queens NY where he is undergoing physical therapy.  We are excited to report that he is now sitting up on his own!   In spite of this milestone, Johnny is far from out of the woods and will require continued medical treatment and care.                           Johnny sitting up at St. Mary's Hospital

     In addition to dealing with Johnny’s medical complications, his young parent’s Christopher and Jen have endured a series of hardships.  In the past 5 years Christopher has ironically, lost both his mother (my sister) and his father to Pancreatic cancer,  the later only a couple of months ago. Prior to that  Jen was involved in a serious car accident in which she nearly lost her life and sustained a back injury rendering her unable to work. 
                                   Johnny with Grandpa John
  
  More recently, the stress and unpredictability of Johnny’s medical condition combined with the recent diagnosis and quick demise of his father (November 2019) has caused Christopher to lose both his job and his medical insurance.  

     The hardship of these combined events; building medical bills and funeral expenses  have left Christopher and Jen in emotional and financial distress. They are in desperate need of help.

     In spite of it all, Christopher and Jen remain loving and devoted parents to Johnny.  The love and tenderness they bestow upon him is heart rendering  to say the very least.  They remain optimistic and their greatest desire is to finally be able to bring Johnny home where he belongs.    
     The  combination of all of these tragic and unexpected events have made it impossible for Chris and Jen to meet the demands of everyday living.  

     It is for these reasons, even though I must step out of my comfort zone,  I feel it is necessary to request your help in getting this couple back on their feet.

     Any contributions large or small will help them in meeting their mounting expenses of daily living (rent, gas, food) while they attend to Johnny and try to manage his ongoing medical expenses.  
     
     If a monetary contribution is not possible at this time, your prayers will be greatly appreciated.  More importantly, sharing this request on social media would be extremely helpful in getting this message in front of people.  Thank you so much for your support

Gratefully yours,
Toni Regulbuto