Ange Needs Neurosurgery
Donation protected
A few years ago, Angelina Santaromita Villa, dear friend and colleague, was diagnosed with Lupus and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. Ange kept up with a busy life, work and treatments all while feeling the debilitating effects of the illnesses and their treatments....because she's a champ and that's what she does. Then, a few months ago they discovered a rapidly growing brain mass in her Pineal Gland. This rare mass is causing increasingly worsening symptoms such as: severe pain, dizziness, ringing in her ears, blurred vision, and a host of other symptoms; which all lead to a severe lack of sleep.
Because of the location of the mass, Ange had been unsuccessful finding adequate treatment in Canada. Also, OHIP will not pay for this surgery outside of Canada. A hospital in Houston and Dr. Dong Kim, world renowned neurosurgeon, have come to her rescue, however, this is going to be expensive. Ange will fly down to Houston in late October for a consultation and book a date for surgery. The goal of the surgery is to remove the mass and test its pathology. If it is determined to be malignant, then she will be able to proceed with treatment in Canada. If it's benign, then WOOHOOO!
Ange said, "Unfortunately, this will (all) come at a cost as we will have to pay for the consult, surgery, travel and accommodations out of pocket. My goal with the help of Dr Kim, is to hopefully return to my active lifestyle at home and at work as soon as possible."
Ange is married to Paolo and they have two beautiful children, Messina and Luca. Ange is an amazing art teacher and guidance counsellor. She is a football player and coach. Ange is a fitness freak, a marathon runner, an amazing cook/baker and an artist! She is well respected and loved by anybody who comes into contact with her. And she is always the first person to lead the charge when somebody else needs help. Well, Ange needs help now. Like Dr Kim, come to her rescue by donating and sharing.
Because of the location of the mass, Ange had been unsuccessful finding adequate treatment in Canada. Also, OHIP will not pay for this surgery outside of Canada. A hospital in Houston and Dr. Dong Kim, world renowned neurosurgeon, have come to her rescue, however, this is going to be expensive. Ange will fly down to Houston in late October for a consultation and book a date for surgery. The goal of the surgery is to remove the mass and test its pathology. If it is determined to be malignant, then she will be able to proceed with treatment in Canada. If it's benign, then WOOHOOO!
Ange said, "Unfortunately, this will (all) come at a cost as we will have to pay for the consult, surgery, travel and accommodations out of pocket. My goal with the help of Dr Kim, is to hopefully return to my active lifestyle at home and at work as soon as possible."
Ange is married to Paolo and they have two beautiful children, Messina and Luca. Ange is an amazing art teacher and guidance counsellor. She is a football player and coach. Ange is a fitness freak, a marathon runner, an amazing cook/baker and an artist! She is well respected and loved by anybody who comes into contact with her. And she is always the first person to lead the charge when somebody else needs help. Well, Ange needs help now. Like Dr Kim, come to her rescue by donating and sharing.
Fundraising team: Team Villa (3)
David Imbleau
Organizer
Ottawa, ON
Angelina Santaromita Villa
Beneficiary
Val Esber
Team member
Tim Robillard
Team member
