Vinny's Medical Fund

Hi. My name is Brie, and I have been lucky enough to call Brittani Ruggiero my best friend for 10 years now. Ever since we met, she has shown an overwhelming amount of love, compassion and humility to anyone she has encountered.  Once I grew to know her family, it was easy to see exactly why she is such a kind, selfless person. The Ruggiero family is one of the most tight-knit, loving, protective and genuine families that I have ever met. They all support each other without a thought, and pass that love onto others, unconditionally. They made me feel like family from day 1. That's why it's hard to sit back and watch something so unfortunate happen to them, and not try to help in some way. For those of you reading this who don't already know, Vinny was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, and has been in and out of hospitals and surgeries for the better part of the past year. For the Ruggiero family, this time has been nothing but an uphill battle of heartaches and pain, to say the least. They all continue to stay positive, and give Vinny the best life they can, with love, laughter and continuing faith - but they are still struggling. They have nothing but thanks and gratitude for all the people who donated to their family last year, and it breaks their hearts to have to see Vinny continue through this terrible time, which seems to be a never ending nightmare. Vinny is a devoted father and husband, but his main concern has always been his son, Frank, who has Autism and special needs. He has always wanted nothing but the best for his family, and they will stop at nothing to provide him the same. As their medical bills pile up, and the insurance companies continue to drop Vinny, they continue to struggle with finding home care and help for him. Vinny was always a man of pride and dignity, and they want to give him the best life possible, without taking that from him. Brain cancer takes away the most delicate, intimate part of your body, and it's a tragedy to see him like this. As many of you already know, Vinny is a wonderful man, and deserves nothing but the best. No one should have to go through what they are experiencing, then have to worry about the financial burdens it's causing, on top of everything else. If you can afford to donate anything, every last dollar helps them, everyday. Just as I know they will be, I would be extremely grateful for any assistance that anyone can provide their family in these trying times. They absolutely deserve it.

UPDATE:

The latest MRI shows only a slight growth in the tumor, stunted by the bad infection he recently had. The treatment options that Vinny had in the past are off the table now, due to his weakened immune system. He is currently in the hospital, being treated for a stomach infection. The Ruggiero's hope and faith now lies in the days they have with this amazing man, and they take solace in making him the happiest and most comfortable man that he can be. Hopefully he will come home soon from the hospital, and they can snuggle on the couch and watch Bob's Burgers and eat his favorite chocolate pudding together.  We all ask that everyone continues to pray for Vinny, that he does not suffer and continues to heal.