My Brother My Super Hero

My Brother, My Superhero!

By Lara Sacco

When you think of a superhero, you automatically think of Batman, Superman, Spider-Man etc.…. When I think of a superhero, I think of my brother Pasquale Battaglia.

My brother was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2005, just a few months after his beautiful Florida wedding. Since that time, he has been living with cancer, and all of its baggage…. from radiation, chemo, infusions, inflammation, bone deterioration, several surgeries, and the list goes on. There was a very short period of time that my brother was in remission, only to find out that cancer came back full force and spread like wildfire.

Throughout this entire ordeal, Pasquale never once gave up. When I call home to check up on him, his answer is always “Never had a bad day in my life.” His strength, positivity and courage amaze his family and me every day!

Pasquale’s sense of humor and kindness towards others remains a constant. He worries and shows concern for his family and friends even though he should be focusing on himself. Pasquale always puts everyone’s needs in front of his own. The way he loves his wife (Katrin) and son (Lino) is extraordinary and consumes his whole heart and soul. Selfless and altruistic are definitely words I would use to describe my big brother. I admire most of all his enduring strength and outstanding courage when dealing with all he has been through, without once complaining or asking for help.

Aside from the physical and emotional turmoil that cancer brings, there is also a huge financial burden on my brother and his family. Pasquale has been unable to work for three years due to his illness. I want my brother to focus all of his energy on getting better and fighting this horrific disease, not on how he is going to make ends meet. I am starting this fundraiser in an effort to help ease just some of the burdens my brother and his wife are facing. We cannot control many things, but there are ways we can show love and support for Pasquale during this very challenging time.

As I said before, Pasquale will not ask for help, so I have decided to ask for him. My hope is that the money we raise will help my brother and his family so that Pasquale can continue to be my superhero for a very long time!!!!