Giovanni Villante

Giovanni (Gio), an 11 year old twin,  had been struggling for months with a cough that never seemed to subside.  His parents took him to his doctor several times where he was given different kinds of antibiotics.  Unfortunately there seemed to be very little progress in curing this constant cough and severe exhaustion.    They felt it must be pneumonia at one point.  He was once again put on medication where the outcome was still the same.  Finally a visit to the hospital seemed necessary, it was during this visit Giovanni was diagnosed with  Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). 
The main treatment for children with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is 3 phases of chemotherapy.  It is an intense treatment depending on the severity and can last about 2 years.  The level and frequency of chemotherapy depends on the severity of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. 
Giovanni is in the beginning stages of diagnosis and treatment options and the bills have started to pile up.  The funds we hope to receive will help Gio continue whatever treatments are necessary and pay for the bills, copayments, medication, etc. not covered under their healthcare plan.  Additionally, we hope some of the funds can assist in providing meals, childcare, and activities for the rest of the family during this difficult time.  This all came about so suddenly putting the family in a struggle with balancing not only the finances, but the support and care for the rest of the siblings as well. Giovanni has a twin brother, along with a sister Kaela who is a full time college student and helping with all of the financial situations for her brother Gio, and two older brothers.  At this point everything is new and changing daily so his parents feel the need to stay with Giovanni at all times.  They are fortunate to have some close friends assisting as best as they can to support, feed, and entertain the other children.  It would be great to gain additional support in these areas as well.  The need is urgent in order to provide his parents the ability to focus on their child, and not whether or not they can pay for the necessary treatment options.  They are truly a wonderful family in need and would never ask for this help on their own.  It is for this reason friends, teachers, and the community are reaching out on their behalf.  Please help us, help them.