Days before his 6th birthday, Roman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his femur--a type of bone cancer extremely rare in children under the age of 5. Confused about terms like cancer and chemotherapy, Roman calls his cancer "boogers" and knows they need to be treated at the hospital to go away. No longer able to walk, Roman had to leave Kindergarten and begin treatment immediately at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center. He is racing against the clock to isolate the spread of cancer.
Why we're raising money:
Roman and his family need our support during this extremely trying time in their lives. The total expenses needed to help Roman is unknown, so fundraising will continue in phases over the next 12 months of his treatment. Donations made now will help fund initial out-of-pocket costs, such as:

-Medical equipment and supplies for Roman's in-home care, which are not covered by medical insurance. Now that he can no longer walk, many accommodations are needed to keep him healthy and comfortable in his own home.

-A full time Caretaker/Home Nurse to assist with Roman's daily needs like sponge bath, bandage changes, physically carrying him from room-to-room, meals, driving to hospital appointments, and sterilizing the home daily. (This is not covered by medical insurance)

-Specialized professional counseling not covered by medical insurance for Roman and his brother Nikolai, as they emotionally cope with their new reality.

Treatment Plan:
Roman's first round of chemotherapy has already begun and will continue for five more rounds over the next 8 weeks (April thru mid-June). Following chemo, Roman will undergo surgery (around the beginning of July). After a four-week recovery from surgery (July - early August), Roman will have another 12 rounds of chemotherapy for 17 weeks (August thru December). Once recovered from chemotherapy, Roman will start intense physical therapy. Thus completing an excruciating year-long battle of a 6 year old boy and his family to BEAT THE BOOGERS!!

Meet Roman's Family:
Tatyana (Roman's mom) is on extended unpaid leave from her full-time job in tech to care for him. She is also (unexpectedly but excitedly) pregnant with their 3rd child, due in December. As a type 1 diabetic, Tatyana's pregnancies are considered high-risk and require a lot of medical attention, which will impede the amount of physical assistance she can give Roman.
Nikolai (Roman's big brother) is a 3rd grader who loves soccer, Legos and dance. He's trying his best to keep germs away from Roman and be a good helper at home. 
Anthony (Roman's dad) will stay at his full-time job as a Medical Physicist, working in the Kaiser Permanente Cancer Treatment Center--the same hospital in which Roman receives his chemotherapy treatments! Anthony will be by Roman's side as much as possible during his hospital stays. 
Roman's prognosis is promising, as there's a high survival rate for this type of cancer when found early and treated quickly. The Ventura's are doing everything humanly possible to help their little boy, working alongside a team of medical superheroes to assure Roman will BEAT THE BOOGERS!!

Will you please help too?