Keanu Franciso Paulino - brave mighty hero

We are a group of close friends of Keanu and are starting this fundraiser for our dear little friend and his family.

His birthday is January 25 and today he will turn 4.

Just a week prior to this, Keanu was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called PPB (Pleuropulmonary Blastoma).

Within just one week prior to his birthday, Keanu has received multiple chemotherapy treatments, a tracheostomy, and is currently sedated and temporarily paralyzed.

We are devastated, shocked, and helpless.

As close friends to Keanu’s mom, dad, and brother (Kristine, Frank, Ayrton), we asking for your support in any way possible. Keanu has a long road ahead of him and we are eliminating any additional worries Keanu’s family may have, starting with medical bills. Their focus and energy needs to be with Keanu, every minute of every day.

Little Keanu is battling more in one week than most of us will battle in our lifetimes. We are asking for any help you can give - donations, cards, and prayers and positive thoughts. All donations will go to medical expenses (hospital and outside treatments/doctors) and should any money be left over, it will be donated to PPB research and other families with PPB.

We appreciate all the kindness and love and most of all hope for Keanu. He’s the bravest four year old we know.

A message from Keanu’s mother Kristine:

Jan 15th we brought Keanu to the ER because his breathing was laborious in addition to other issues that were concerning. After several tests and biopsy he was diagnosed with a very rare lung cancer called Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB) There is a massive tumor that has taken all the real estate in his left chest. He is admitted at the PICU of NewYork-Presbyterian
Komansky Children's Hospital and started his chemo treatment. The goal over the next few months is to shrink the tumor and eventually surgically remove the tumor and cure him. He recently underwent a tracheostomy to deliver oxygen to his lungs easily and safely and is recovering by keeping him sedated and temporary paralysis. We have a long road ahead as Keanu will remain at the hospital for his chemo infusions. Please keep him in your prayers as chemo comes with its own trials and as a kid On the Spectrum he will need every ounce of support to adapt to his new way of life.

Any excess funds will go towards the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB)/DICER1 Registry which Keanu is enrolled in that seeks to learn about individuals with PPB as well with rare ovarian tumors and other conditions associated with PPB and DICER1. Also any affiliated NYP hospitals that have cancer related patients that supports families and healthcare providers.