Generosity for Gina
Donation protected
Nearly three years ago, Gina Catapano was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Determined to overcome this disease, she chose to attack her cancer in every way possible, combining medical treatments from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center with holisitc therapies, meditation, and nutrition. In the beginning, she astounded her doctors with her improvement.
Eventually, though, the treatments stopped working. Last November, fluid accumulation in her heart and lungs landed her in the ICU for over a week. While the doctors were able to drain the fluid, Gina has not been the same since. As the cancer spread, she lost her energy, appetite, and exuberance. She lost her ability to do the things she loves most, like cooking and going for walks with friends. At this point, it seemed chemotherapy was her only chance at survival. She feared further loss of vitality from such harsh treatment and sought desperately for other options.
After weeks of searching, her prayers were answered. The doctors at Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, CA proposed a combination of immunotherapy and IPT/low-dose chemotherapy that would strengthen her immune system and attack the tumors without destroying her quality of life. They also recommended she visit an interventional radiologist nearby who specializes in cryoblation therapy, which freezes and kills cancer cells. Finally, it seemed, Gina had found a treatment plan that resonated with her heart.
These promising treatments meant travelling cross-country and staying in California for at least 6 weeks. Leaving their three kids at home in New York, Gina and her husband John bravely made the trip, but they underestimated just how long they would need to stay and how costly the traveling expenses and treatments would be.
Although much has changed since she began this journey, Gina's optimism and fierce determination have not. She is a selfless soul with a heart of gold and we are so blessed to call her our mother. We want more than anything for her not merely to survive, but to live.
Our parents have given so much throughout their lives, yet never ask for anything in return. They deserve much more than we are able to give. So we ask you- our friends, family, anyone whose life has been touched by the kindness of our parents hearts- please help our mother. Even the smallest amount is a huge weight off her shoulders. It is our love that keeps her fighting every day!
All the love and gratitiude in our hearts,
Marisa, Vincent, and Gianna
Eventually, though, the treatments stopped working. Last November, fluid accumulation in her heart and lungs landed her in the ICU for over a week. While the doctors were able to drain the fluid, Gina has not been the same since. As the cancer spread, she lost her energy, appetite, and exuberance. She lost her ability to do the things she loves most, like cooking and going for walks with friends. At this point, it seemed chemotherapy was her only chance at survival. She feared further loss of vitality from such harsh treatment and sought desperately for other options.
After weeks of searching, her prayers were answered. The doctors at Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, CA proposed a combination of immunotherapy and IPT/low-dose chemotherapy that would strengthen her immune system and attack the tumors without destroying her quality of life. They also recommended she visit an interventional radiologist nearby who specializes in cryoblation therapy, which freezes and kills cancer cells. Finally, it seemed, Gina had found a treatment plan that resonated with her heart.
These promising treatments meant travelling cross-country and staying in California for at least 6 weeks. Leaving their three kids at home in New York, Gina and her husband John bravely made the trip, but they underestimated just how long they would need to stay and how costly the traveling expenses and treatments would be.
Although much has changed since she began this journey, Gina's optimism and fierce determination have not. She is a selfless soul with a heart of gold and we are so blessed to call her our mother. We want more than anything for her not merely to survive, but to live.
Our parents have given so much throughout their lives, yet never ask for anything in return. They deserve much more than we are able to give. So we ask you- our friends, family, anyone whose life has been touched by the kindness of our parents hearts- please help our mother. Even the smallest amount is a huge weight off her shoulders. It is our love that keeps her fighting every day!
All the love and gratitiude in our hearts,
Marisa, Vincent, and Gianna
Organizer and beneficiary
Marisa Catapano
Organizer
Northport, NY
John Catapano
Beneficiary