Raffi’s Rebels
Donation protected
Hello, our names are Melissa, Diane, Dianna & Jennifer. We are a group of moms from Bolton, Ontario who are a part of a wonderful team called “Raffi’s Rebels”.“A Hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
We would like to share with you the personal story of our biggest hero, Raffi.
Raffi is a 14-year-old boy from our community who has been fighting cancer since he was only 5 years old. When he was in junior kindergarten, a tumour was discovered on his spinal cord. The surgery to remove it was followed by weekly trips to the hospital for chemotherapy. This lasted for eighteen months.
At the age of 8, three years after Raffi’s tumour was initially discovered, the family received the terrible news that the tumour was growing again. Raffi underwent a second surgery in the same area of his spine to remove the tumour. This was followed by six weeks of radiation therapy.
At the age of 12, Raffi began suffering chronic headaches. It was discovered that, although the original tumour was dead, there were abnormal cells in his spinal chord and around his brain. He was diagnosed with High Grade Glioma. Surgery was no longer an option. He was put on chemotherapy drugs and the family waited and prayed that it would work.
In 2019 he received radiation treatment and another surgery to put a GTube into his stomach in order for him to receive feeds to help him gain weight.
In 2020 Raffi’s family was informed that the tumour on his brain was growing quickly.
There is nothing more that can be done for Raffi. Radiation and trial medications have not worked, and surgery is not an option.
Now Raffi is undergoing his hardest fight yet.
Everyday is a struggle as he is almost always in pain. He has lost so much weight that he only weighs about 50 pounds. Raffi now sleeps all day and must use the GTube to provide him with daily calories. He hears his family speak but rarely responds.
Raffi is known by everyone as a quick witted, mischievous, happy young man with the most vibrant orange hair and smile that lights up any room. Despite his challenges and obstacles, he always tries to make everyone around him laugh.
Raffi enjoys watching sports and has an extreme passion for hockey. Recently, Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs heard about Raffi's fight, and sent him a personal message to raise his spirits.
Raffis' parents, Frank and Jodi Scerbo, are extremely family oriented. They are actively involved in all aspects of their children's lives and are wonderful and loving parents. This is a heartbreaking time for them.
They are currently living every parents worst nightmare. They will never get to see their son graduate high school. Raffi has two sisters that will grow into adulthood without him.
The Scerbo’s need our support. This fund was created to help ease the financial burden they are currently bearing as they continue to provide their son the care he requires. Every donation is greatly received and goes directly to Frank and Jodi. No amount is too small.
Thank you to all who visit this page. All support is helpful in lifting the Scerbo’s spirits and easing their minds. To help get the word out, you can share the link to your Facebook timeline.
We are so appreciative and thankful for the love and support of our community. Your donation will make an immediate impact on a very special family.
Raffi, we love you; we are not ready to say goodbye.
You can learn more about Raffi’s journey here: https://www.facebook.com/raffisrebels/
Fundraising team (4)
Jennifer Tricoci
Organizer
Bolton, ON
Jodi-Lynne Scerbo
Beneficiary
Melissa De Cicco
Team member
Dianna Cocco
Team member
Diane Viveiros Meglio
Team member
