Help Ian Defeat Cancer

A message from Ian's father;

"Ian needs help. He has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma- an extremely rare form of bone cancer, and is facing a fight for his life. There were less than 800 new cases in the United States last year, many of which brought their survivors to the brink certain death.  He will be unable to work for a minimum of 12 months,  during which he will undergo an unbelievably intense chemotherapy as well as a complete shoulder replacement.

From the day he was born, people have been drawn to Ian. Strangers at the bank or the grocery store where we lived on Long Island would stop his mother and me just to look at him and say hello. It was if they could see and feel something special in him that they needed to be close to. For those who know Ian, you know exactly what I mean. The smile that lights up every room, a laugh so contagious it insists you stay in that moment of joy forgetting those troubles that burden us. And the look he has when you’re talking to him that says I am here; I am listening, and I care. Ian’s qualities should be a power of example to all of us.

A fiercely loyal friend who regardless of circumstances, stands at your side...always. Your fight is Ian’s fight and your problem is Ian’s problem. Ian’s compassion and empathy has rewarded him with friends from all walks of life; friends that he has kept since childhood. I know they see what I see in Ian.

But as wonderful as Ian is as a son, brother and friend he is so much more than that as a father. When his son Aidan was born, and we learned Aidan was on the autism spectrum Ian said, “I got this, it’s going to be okay, this is why I was born”. From that day Ian has tirelessly worked two and three jobs to provide for Aidan and his family and never once have any of us heard him complain. The love and bond they share is one we can all learn from. Ian is simply a stand-up guy who knows his primary purpose is to be of service to anyone who needs help and someone who doesn’t expect extra credit for doing what is right. 

He is facing an avalanche of expenses and Ian would be reluctant to ask you for help, but I am not. For those of you that know Ian and those of you that know someone like him, please help my son by donating whatever you can. Thank you."

-Frank De Fabio