If you've met Willa Pauletti, you know she's a feisty, fabulous three year old, an independent spirit, a wonderful middle sister and a light in this world. 

Unfortunately, sweet Willa is facing her biggest challenge yet. In July 2018, she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. She started receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital (MSK) in New York City starting July 11th.  She has since tested negative for presence of the disease in her bone marrow, an encouraging result. Willa’s doctor specializes in this disease and is walking the Pauletti family through each step of this process. Each day new tests are being done to see what treatments Willa's body will and will not tolerate, so the days are long for everyone involved. At this time, it is expected that treatment will last at least the next six-eight  months. Miss Willa is proving to be a real champ through all the poking, prodding, sometimes-scary procedures and being cooped up — not a preschooler's idea of a good time. 

Looking down the road, the Pauletti family is going to need lots of love and support in many forms to face this disease head on.

There are a few tangible needs that will need to be taken care of right away, and many expenses the family will incur while seeking treatment for Willa in the coming months. What we've learned so far about the path ahead is that Willa's immune system is going to be fighting hard, so as she moves from the hospital to their home for her monthly chemotherapy treatments, increased and ongoing deep cleaning of the Pauletti's home, plus a hospital grade air purifier will be important. Frequent appointment trips to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for treatments brings the associated gas, parking, and tolls.  Heidi and Gregg have diligently stood watch at Willa's bedside for days now, and will continue to do so, taking respite at the Ronald McDonald House nearby in short bursts. So far, this has not incurred a cost, but  there is a maximum stay limitation which we anticipate meeting before treatment is complete for Willa. 

This campaign has been initiated to defray the cost of supporting the clean home environment Willa needs to heal and the ongoing unexpected costs of travel, childcare, lodging and equipment, the medical/ drug costs we are learning will not be covered, and other needs that the Pauletti family will have to get Willa the treatment  and care required. With time, more will become clear about how Willa's treatment plan will affect the family's lives with regard to missed work, etc. As we understand what else may be required, we will update this campaign to help offset the burden for the Pauletti's.

Thank you for all your continued support and prayers for the Pauletti family. Anyone who has or knows children, knows how heart-wrenching this fight will be. Anyone who knows Heidi and Gregg Pauletti knows there are no stronger, more vigilant, more fiercely loving people to support Willa in her fight. Join us in standing behind them and showing your support as they bravely face this challenge head on.


With Gratitude, 
Friends of The Pauletti Family

To learn more about Willa's journey:  https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/willapauletti