In Memory of Antonio: Easing the Financial Burden

This is not something I have ever done before, but the situation my family is in right now is unfathomable. My nephew and Godson Antonio passed away on 6/10/25 after a month in the hospital (CHOP) fighting for his life. Antonio, like my Uncle Art who passed away in 2023, had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He was diagnosed when he was 4 years old, and with the care of his close family and nursing, was well cared for. Antonio was recently part of a gene therapy clinical trial. When he first began participating in this trial years ago, his hope was to find a cure for his Uncle Art who suffered from this same cruel neuromuscular disease. He saw how he struggled not being able to do things that others could, and insisted he would be the one to help find the cure. He saw his uncle's condition worsen over time before eventually losing him 2 yrs ago, and was extra motivated to continue. The goal was to slow the disease progression of DMD or possibly reverse it. Unfortunately months after an infusion he became very ill as an effect of this treatment, and despite many medical interventions and his strong will to live, God was ready for him and took him. Antonio was a loving and FULL OF LIFE son and grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, friend. He won't be able to see his 16th birthday in August, and leaves behind so many who adore him and admire him for what he has done and the amazing boy he was. Please consider helping our family cover expenses related to his burial and services so that the financial burden is lessened while family figures out how to navigate this hardship. Thank you to all who offered and continue to offer prayers and support. If you are tucking in a healthy child tonight, please consider yourself blessed and thank God and always be grateful. No one should ever have to endure the loss of a child.

Jeanna