Gianna's F*** Cancer Fund
Donation protected
Earlier this year, Gianna (14) was having some pain in her shin and ankles, like a lot of flat-footed kids still growing. The doctor suggested she get new shoes to help reduce the pain. But over the past few months, her discomfort got worse. Her mom noticed the top of Gianna's right shin was swallen and warm to the touch. Something was very wrong.
After referral to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Standford, specialists determined that Gianna has a rare bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. This rare cancer will first spread the lungs and then other organs. After days of scans, tests, and biopsis, the good news is that the cancer has not spread and is isolated to the top shin area, just below the knee. Sadly, however, aside from chemotherapy which will begin very soon, it's likely that Gianna will lose her leg from the lower thigh.
Treatment will be a combination of 28 weeks of chemotherapy and surgery. Her first procedure will happen this week when to insert an IV stint for easier chemo treatment. The surgery hasn't been scheduled yet it's likely in the next several weeks.
For those of you who don't know Gianna, she has severe ADHD and High-Functioning Autism. She just graduated 8th grade from her special needs school and was given the green light to participate in a normal high school. Gianna doesn't know the extent of her pain yet -- but you can just imagine the long and painful journey ahead with both special needs and a new disability.
Her mother, Cheryl, is a single-mother who lost her own mom to poor health just a few months ago and struggling to understand why God has chosen this plan for her and Gianna.
Knowing what's lies ahead, Cheryl and Gianna could really use your prayers and positive thoughts.
This fund is needed help Cheryl make several modifications to her home so it's handcap-friendly (i.e., ramps to get in and out of the house, expanding hallways/rooms for wheelchair access, bathroom/shower remodeling to better support access and allow Gianna to comfortably shower) not to mention out-of-pocket expenses for the long road of medical, therapy, and rehab resources.
While money is always helpful, your recommendations on support resources, general contractors who have experience with remodels for handicapped kids, introduction to families (in the area) with similar challenges, or referrals for care/assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
After referral to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Standford, specialists determined that Gianna has a rare bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. This rare cancer will first spread the lungs and then other organs. After days of scans, tests, and biopsis, the good news is that the cancer has not spread and is isolated to the top shin area, just below the knee. Sadly, however, aside from chemotherapy which will begin very soon, it's likely that Gianna will lose her leg from the lower thigh.
Treatment will be a combination of 28 weeks of chemotherapy and surgery. Her first procedure will happen this week when to insert an IV stint for easier chemo treatment. The surgery hasn't been scheduled yet it's likely in the next several weeks.
For those of you who don't know Gianna, she has severe ADHD and High-Functioning Autism. She just graduated 8th grade from her special needs school and was given the green light to participate in a normal high school. Gianna doesn't know the extent of her pain yet -- but you can just imagine the long and painful journey ahead with both special needs and a new disability.
Her mother, Cheryl, is a single-mother who lost her own mom to poor health just a few months ago and struggling to understand why God has chosen this plan for her and Gianna.
Knowing what's lies ahead, Cheryl and Gianna could really use your prayers and positive thoughts.
This fund is needed help Cheryl make several modifications to her home so it's handcap-friendly (i.e., ramps to get in and out of the house, expanding hallways/rooms for wheelchair access, bathroom/shower remodeling to better support access and allow Gianna to comfortably shower) not to mention out-of-pocket expenses for the long road of medical, therapy, and rehab resources.
While money is always helpful, your recommendations on support resources, general contractors who have experience with remodels for handicapped kids, introduction to families (in the area) with similar challenges, or referrals for care/assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Organizer
David Stein
Organizer
San Jose, CA
