March of 2019, Mario and Natalie Santiago were getting ready to go on a belated honeymoon in April.  Natalie encouraged Mario to see a doctor before their trip for the nagging right knee pain  that was becoming more and more bothersome.  Neither of them thought it was anything serious at the time but they were wrong!!
Marios's knee X-ray unfortunately showed a suspicious area in his lower right thigh bone. Several weeks of tests including an MRI, bone scan, CT scans, a bone biopsy and countless hours of anxiety followed.  It was ultimately determined that the cause of Mario's knee pain was a rare (1 in a million)aggressive Giant cell bone tumor which was destroying his thigh bone.  The honeymoon was cancelled and plans were made for Mario to have surgery with a doctor in Philadelphia who specializes in bone tumor procedures.

Mario's surgery was completed on April 30th by the skilled medical team at the University of Pennsylvania.  The bone tumor as removed and that area was filled with bone cement.  The newlyweds have returned to Virginia Beach where Mario will start physical therapy in a few weeks and have regular xrays to closely monitor the knee for any sign of tumor recurrence for the next several years.  

It is my hope that we can raise funds to help this young couple pay for the medical expenses they are faced with just as they are starting their life together.  Mario's medical care for his bone tumor occurred toward the end of coverage with one medical insurance plan and the beginning of coverage with another insurance plan which leads to double the already large deductibles, copays and related expenses.
Any help is appreciated and prayers are always welcome!