Contribute to Franco Veneruzzo's fight against Cancer

Hello, My name is Steve Scollie. I am launching this fundraiser for my best friend of 40 years, Franco Veneruzzo. Franco has recently been diagnosed with a serious form of blood cancer called Multiple myeloma.

https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/what-is-multiple-myeloma

Franco is the loving father of 4 children, 3 of which are 6 years old and younger. Franco will have to take leave from his position as Operations and Events Manager for LUSU. Furthermore, his wife Kelly will not be able to work either as Franco's condition and the care of 3 young children will require her to take leave as well.

To say Franco is well known in the Thunder Bay community is hard to overstate. We all know Franco.

He is known for his earlier involvement in Student Government including serving as Student President at Confederation College. His years of working in the local Sales and Hospitality Industry and serving as one of the Organizing Members of the Brew-Ha Craft Beer Festival. Franco was also involved in supporting organizations like SHIFT Young Professionals Network from the early years

He is particularly well known for his 20+ years dedicated to building and nurturing the local Men’s Basketball community. Franco has coordinated Leagues, Tournaments and travelling Rep teams. He served periods on the coaching Staff for the LU Men’s varsity team, Confederation College club team and the St. Ignatius Sr. Girls’ team.

Franco’s contribution at the LU Thunderdome home basketball games is the stuff of legend. His presence and passion is felt by all who attend, especially the opposing team.

Now, as he faces this incredibly tough battle and he needs our support. Multiple myeloma is a serious and challenging illness that requires extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, out-of-town hospital stays, and bone marrow transplant. The financial burden of medical expenses, travel for treatment, and lost income is overwhelming for his young family. His wife Kelly will be facing enough challenges caring for Franco and the children, without having to worry about how to pay the bills.

How You Can Help?

We are asking for your support—big or small—to help ease the financial strain on Franco and his family. Every dollar raised will go toward:

Franco has always been there for others—whether through his hard work, kind heart, or willingness to lend a hand. Now, let’s be there for him. Your generosity toward this campaign will mean the world to his family.

Please Donate & Share

Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network would be a tremendous help.

Let’s show Franco and his family that they are not alone in this fight. Together, we can help lift some of the burdens and give him the strength to focus on what matters most—his health and his family.