Roaring Rocco's Fight Against Leukemia
To know the Passaro Family is to love the Passaro Family... Let me tell you their recent story and ask for support. These are the words from 5 year old Rocco’s mom Ida. "On June 30th we received news that no parent ever wants to hear. Our five year old son Rocco was diagnosed with Leukemia B-cell ALL. We immediately started treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. We were told that this is the most common type of childhood cancer and all the research was in our favor. The first 29 days of treatment are the most crucial with a goal of our child being in remission by day 29. We prayed hard for this and Rocco was showing all the signs that the treatment was working. Unfortunately on Monday, August 2 we received news that Rocco‘s leukemia was not in remission. His MDR is extremely high at a rate of 15 versus the 0.01 rate they were hoping for. That Wednesday we met with our doctor, Dr. Hanif, who is a true angel. He decided it was best for Rocco to immediately started his next round of chemo. Our prayer is that these next 56 days are what Rocco‘s body needs to be in remission. Our doctor says miracles happen everyday and we know with the power of prayer that God will work in our favor. With that being said we have an incredible team of doctors from across the country including St. Judes and John’s Hopkins, that are all working on Rocco‘s unique case. Our next strategy is to go to CHOP in Philadelphia for CART-cell therapy, along with a possible bone marrow transplant. Our other two children are getting tested next week to see if they are matches for their brother, in the event that they are not Rocco‘s name will be added to the transplant list. We are incredibly blessed to have such a strong support system and community surrounding us. Our hope is that with the power of positivity, prayer, and perseverance we will win the battle!"
Now you're asking how do I know the Passaro's? Ida was my driver/nanny for my children when they were in elementary, middle and high school (before my children got their licenses). Chloe was only one years old when we met and we shared in the joy of the births of both RayRay and Rocco. My daughter's became Ida's babysitters and now we are all family.
Please donate whatever you can give to support this loving family. I know there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of people that know Ida, Raymond, Chloe, RayRay and Rocco. If we all give a little think of the impact we will have on helping Roaring Rocco Fight Leukemia. If you hadn't realized by now, dinosaurs are Rocco's favorite! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
