Support Anthony's Fight with Glioblastoma

A father, grandfather, and self-proclaimed comedian; a man who is always fun to be around, loves to make people laugh and is just down to earth. His extreme passion for his family and his drive to do whatever it takes to make sure his family is always cared for earns him the title of Dad-a true, yet rare gem that combines diamonds and gold- tough and strong, yet soft and precious. This is our father Anthony, a true fighter through and through.

He grew up in New York City as the son of a single mother and brother to 2 sisters; so, from a young age he quickly became familiar with what it meant to be "the man of the house". Though growing up in the city proved to be challenging, he always stuck to his studies and worked odd jobs to support help himself (and his family). However, some of his fondest memories are of him enjoying his young life in NYC hitting up some of the best nightclubs of the 70's and playing basketball. It was through basketball that he managed to keep from getting involved with the street gangs, and his head in the books, which eventually led him to his lifelong career in nursing.

During his 43 years as a nurse, our father impacted and saved the lives of many by always going above and beyond. While being in wound care at the VA Hospital, he befriended many Veterans and helped them through their PTSD. His ability to recognize emergency care needs helped patients save their limbs, and in some cases even their lives. During his latest endeavors as a visiting nurse, he sometimes would go into homes and see kids in need of food, so he'd bring them groceries; he helped patients by becoming their friend, always answering when they called just to lend them an ear, and by being there for them and providing them care they deserved. He always showed a genuine concern for his patients, and though nursing is a tough industry, he never let that compromise his nursing morals.

My father says that true nurses hear their calling and want to make that difference in their patients' lives- it is in their blood- and he stayed true to that promise up until the day he was forced into retirement (October 2024). His patients miss him tremendously, and they now call just to check on him. My father wasn't happy he had to retire because he loved what he did, but unfortunately, he's now facing his biggest fight yet- the one for his life. This past October, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, a glioblastoma to be exact. This aggressive cancer has put our family on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and fears, but he has that never dying fighters' spirit and is ready to take on the biggest fight of his life.

This is our father Anthony, a fighter through and through, a true compassionate person who has dedicated his life to helping others and being a provider for his family. We love him tremendously and want him to get to enjoy his "forced" retirement, see his grandchildren grow up a bit, and just get to live free from the pressures he's felt his whole life. With the generous help of others, we can help make that a reality for him. Thank you for taking the time to read our father's story...

With the funds raised so far, we have paid some overdue and new medical and utility bills, covered the cost of an ambulance ride, and getting the equipment he will need to be safe when he does get home. He's going on 6 weeks in the hospital, we're hoping to get him into rehab soon, where he can learn to walk and regain his cognitive function. Thank you to everyone who has shown so much kindness through shares and donations. It's true kindness that makes the world go round.