Join Franky's Fight against Pediatric Cancer

We are here to ask for your support for Francis “Franky” Pettinato, 10 year old son of Rick Pettinato and Caroline Johanson. In late April, Franky’s right eye started to swell which led to numerous visits to the pediatrician and eventually to an ophthalmologist who ordered an urgent CT scan. On May 4th, Franky and his family received the devastating news that the scan found a large tumor the size of a golf ball above Franky’s right eye. This prompted an urgent trip to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where he spent the next weeks undergoing countless scans, procedures, tests and MD apts. On May 6th, his family’s worst nightmares were confirmed when Franky was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of soft tissue cancer that usually arises from muscle tissues.

As rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare but aggressive type of pediatric cancer, Franky and his family face a long road ahead. His treatment will consist of weekly chemotherapy infusions over the next year in addition to 6 weeks of daily radiation in Philadelphia. In addition to this, he will have numerous scans, MD appointments, lab draws, procedures and unforeseen additional admissions to the hospital for management of symptoms.

As Franky is also neurodivergent, some parts of this battle will bring extra struggles and puzzles to find the best path forward. As his family focuses on the road ahead, we are asking for your support to aid them in many of the unforeseen costs that are associated with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Since CHOP is 2.5 hours from their home in Old Forge, Franky and his family will often have to separate for days to weeks on end for his treatment which not only means loss of wages for his family but travel expenses and numerous years of follow up/symptom management even after treatment is done.

We are truly grateful for any and all support. Whether it be donations, prayers, additional love to Franky and his siblings (8 year old Felix and 5 year old Holly) or just a quick message to send your love. It takes a village, let’s show him how amazing his village truly is.