Let’s Unite for Paola’s Fight

Hi, my name is Sylvia Furgiuele. Myself, and the wonderful teachers at the Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board are fundraising for Paola Varriano and her family. Although Paola is not my blood family, to me, she is family. I, and all those who have the honour of knowing her, truly love her.

Paola, a 40-year-old wife and mother to two young, beautiful children, and a passionate, dedicated teacher at the Dufferin Peel School Board, was taken to the hospital on Monday October 17, 2022, suffering from severe back pain. After multiple tests and hours of waiting in excruciating pain, she was given the news that shocked her and her loved ones. Paola was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. While the diagnosis is heavy, she remains strong in faith and keeps her spirits high; she fully intends to fight to beat the odds.

Those who know Paola know she lives and breathes her husband Nunzio, her two children, Antonio (9) and Victoria (6), and her family, friends, and colleagues. She is kind, warm, generous, and compassionate; she lights up a room when she smiles. She would give away the clothes off her back to help someone in need.

Paola has been on morphine since the day she entered the hospital. She is finally starting radiation tomorrow (Nov 7th/22) to shrink the tumors before the doctors can determine a chemo plan. In addition to conventional treatment provided by the hospital, our intention is that with the funds raised, Paola has the opportunity to explore all avenues of medicine to continue fighting this battle. Clinical trials and alternative treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy at specialized clinics, are some avenues Paola wants to explore. In most cases, these treatments will not be covered.

I created this fundraiser to help her and her family with anticipated medical bills and other expenses they may need to navigate through this time. Our goal is to help alleviate the financial burden that ensues so that Paola can focus solely on fighting this terrible disease. I hope you can help Paola and her family by donating. Every single penny counts and is greatly appreciated.

I would also like to use this space where you can communicate with Paola, share some funny stories, and raise her spirits. Laughter and positivity are a huge part of beating this! These stories will not only bring smiles to Paola, but they can also be a place where she will know how many people she has touched.

Many of you have expressed wanting to help in some way. If this is the avenue you choose to help, on behalf of Paola, Nunzio and all of her loved ones, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support. Paola is a fighter and is starting this journey with the help of all her family and friends that love her. In her words, "I will fight this cancer because I have an army behind me."

I understand that not everyone is able to donate, so we ask you to please pray. Please send positive energy, strength, and love to Paola and help us spread the word by sharing this GoFundMe page.

Let's all rally together and unite in Paola’s fight!

Thank you for the love, support and prayers!

With love and gratitude,

Sylvia and Paola’s friends and family