Team Gemma

Cousin Colleen, Erica and Tami is organising this fundraising appeal on behalf of Julie Torsiello.

Donation protected

In early January of this year, our best friend and cousin Julie noticed some inexplicable bruises on her four-year-old daughter, Gemma. She immediately brought Gemma to the doctor and their lives have never been the same. In a matter of days, Gemma was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The days and nights since then have been challenging, to say the least, filled with a plethora of unending medical treatments including chemotherapy, spinal taps, varying transfusions, CT scans, steroids, antibiotics, physical therapy, and on and on. The Leukemia and its treatments have wiped out precious Gemma's immune system, resulting in week-long fevers, seizures, stomach pains, loss of hair and appetite, fatigue, vomiting, various infections, and pancreatitis, to name a few. Her condition has required her to stay at the hospital for over half of 2023, with some stays lasting a month (including Gemma's 5th birthday but we plan to do a re-do of this birthday celebration as soon as her health allows!). Despite all this, Gemma continues to get everyone laughing daily. Her strength and positive attitude inspire us all.

During this time, Julie has had to take leave from her full-time job to become a full-time mother, nurse, patient advocate and snuggle buddy for her little unicorn, Gemma.

The outflow of support for Gemma has been overwhelming. Gemma has the most generous aunties, uncles, friends and family. The gifts of toys, clothes, and meals have been greatly appreciated and have brought so many smiles! Many of us are asking what else we can do to help. At this point, we feel the best way to support Gemma moving forward is by donating toward mounting medical and living expenses which will allow Julie and Chris to remain by Gemma's side and continue to provide the incomparable LOVE, CARE and ADVOCACY that Gemma requires every day.

We want to acknowledge the amazing support system Gemma has not only in Julie and Chris but in her grandparents, Grandma Honey and Pop Pop, as well as the wonderful staff at St. Mary's Medical Center.

Thank you so much - we'll be providing updates on Gemma's progress!