Mr. Boccuzzi Against Rare Cancer

My name is Lucia Boccuzzi, I am 21 years old, and I am the only daughter of Francesco Boccuzzi. On March 22, 2018 I got the worst news of my life, my favorite person in this whole world, my father, was just diagnosed with Stage 3 Spindle Cell Carcinoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer. We are still trying to determine whether it derived from. Many doctors believed from the lung, however we are now a bit unsure. Our family consists of only my mother, father, and I. Right now, I am the only person who drives in my family. My mother is unemployed and I am studying to attend medical school. Honestly I am at a loss of words on how this whole situation has come to be. It feels as though just last month everything was fine and now we are here. My father was misdiagnosed with pinched nerve for over two months. During this time, his tumor continued to grow, now around 6.5 by 4.5 cm. This is a very scary time for my family, and as much as my mother and I would like to handle and take care of everything, we know there are some things we just cannot do on our own.

My father has been a science teacher and a special ED teacher at Ponce De Leon Middle School for over 15 years. He has taught me all I know, as I myself have grown fond of science because of him. My father was born in Italy and moved to Miami to help me live a better life. He has been in love with the United States since he was a little boy and has always turned his dreams into reality. Before becoming a teacher, my father was a musician which lead him to continue his life here in the United States. He has always been interested in education and specifically teaching children about music and science. Anyone could tell you he is the most light hearted man out there. He cracks a joke in any situation and continues to remain optimistic even in these times. My father has taught me to look at life from a different perspective, always looking for the good in everyone. I want to give back to him by trying the best I can to give him a fighting chance. This tumor has already destroyed two of his ribs and has left my father numb on the left side of his body. All in all, he still finds the strength to smile and tell me everything will be okay. 

I do not want to see my father suffer and he is absolutely ready to fight. We are asking if you all could kindly help my mother and I pay the medical bills. I want my father to be able to see me graduate medical school, start my life, and see my own grandchildren like every father should. So as his only daughter and I am asking to please please help our family in our time of need. My father deserves a chance to fight harder than he even has for my mother and I, and we will do the same. Thank you so much for your time and remember to be grateful for each day of life with family and friends, because my life changed from one day to another.