Hi everyone,

I never imagined I would be writing something like this. I’m creating this GoFundMe for one of my best friends, Riccardo (Ricco), someone I’ve known for most of my life. Watching a person you grew up with, laughed with, and planned a future alongside be forced into a fight like this is absolutely heartbreaking.

In July, Ricco was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive sarcoma growing in and around his stomach. Since that moment, his life has been turned upside down. He has endured months of chemotherapy and radiation, treatments that drained his energy, his strength, and his sense of normalcy. Through it all, he has shown more courage than I can put into words. Tragically, despite everything he has already been through, the tumor has not shrunk, and doctors have now determined that major surgery is his only option.

Ricco is scheduled to undergo this intense, life-altering surgery on January 2, 2026. It will be followed by a long, painful, and uncertain recovery, one that no one should have to face, let alone someone so young and full of life.

Because of his condition, Ricco can no longer work. His mom has also had to step away from her job to care for him full-time, refusing to leave his side during the hardest days of his life. While they are focused on surviving each day, the financial strain continues to grow. Medical bills are already expected to exceed $6,000, and that number doesn’t include the many expenses that will come with recovery.

This fundraiser exists to lift even a small piece of that weight off their shoulders, so Ricco and his family can focus on what truly matters, his health, his healing, and his fight to keep going.

Ricco has been my best friend for over twenty years. He is the kind of person who would give anything to help someone else without ever asking for help himself. If you’re able to donate, please know that no amount is too small, every contribution truly matters. And if donating isn’t possible, sharing this page or keeping Ricco in your thoughts and prayers means more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for caring, and for standing with Ricco during one of the hardest battles of his life. He has been fighting with everything he has, and this is the least I can do for someone who has always been there for others.

With endless gratitude,

Victoria

*UPDATE*

I am incredibly grateful for the love, support, and generosity everyone has shown for Ricco. Because of you, we are almost at our goal, and I truly cannot thank you enough for helping us get this far.

While we are close to reaching the original goal, I do plan to keep the GoFundMe open a bit longer. Recovery doesn’t stop once the initial treatment is covered — there are still ongoing and unexpected costs ahead, including follow-up care, recovery-related expenses, and continued support during this healing process. Keeping the fundraiser open also helps ease the overall financial strain on his family as they focus on Ricco’s recovery and well-being.

Every share, donation, and kind message has meant more than we can put into words. Your support has lifted a huge weight off of his shoulders, and reminded me how powerful community can be.

Thank you for standing with Ricco. I’ll continue to share updates as we move forward.

-V

*UPDATE*

Ricco had a successful surgery, however, he is still recovering in the hospital and the medical bills are now exceeding the original estimated amount. Even though the surgery was successful and they removed the entire tumor, Ricco is now suffering with an infection in his lower abdomen. This will require more procedures and an extended stay in the hospital than originally anticipated. There is no guarantee that he will be able to go home this month, so we are hoping to get some financial relief for this unfortunate unforeseen circumstance.