Support Bernard Avitabile's Memorial Funeral Fundraiser

Hi, my name is Maria Avitabile, and I am Bernard's older sister. It is with a heavy heart that I am letting everyone know that my brother is in need of your love, friendship, prayers, kindness, and help. On Sunday, August 11, 2024, my brother was rushed to the hospital at 3:00 am because he could not breathe. What we thought would have been an overnight stay with some additional testing has turned into something so much more than that. He was immediately put on a ventilator because he was not able to breathe on his own. Upon multiple testing, the doctors found a five and a half inch goiter pressing on the inside of his neck, causing his airway to be completely restricted. His airway is so compromised that they have to remove both the goiter that was pushing in on his airway and his thyroid that has become diseased.

This surgery was more complicated than just a thyroid removal. On August 20, 2024, the surgeons were only able to remove the five and a half inch goiter and the right side of the thyroid due to excessive bleeding. They said this was unlike any surgery they had and made the decision to stop the excessive bleeding and not continue with the removal of the left side of the thyroid at that very moment in order to save his life. A second surgery will take place in a few days afterward with a thoracic surgeon who is specialized in trauma surgery. Not only is Bernard dealing with this issue, but it has also been brought to our attention that there are suspicious findings in his lungs that now need to be addressed. As some of you may already know, he had Acute Myeloid Leukemia and managed to beat that fifteen years ago with a thirty percent chance of survival.

Due to all these unforeseen circumstances, Bernard has not been able to work and will not be able to work for a while. This puts a severe strain on him financially. He has worked so hard through the years to keep up with his home because it is the home that was originally built by our grandfather, passed down to my mother and now passed down to him. Not only does it have such a strong sentimental value, it is the home he has lived in for his lifetime. If you personally know Bernard, you then know that he is intelligent, kind, compassionate, loving, thoughtful, a dedicated friend and family member. He is the type of person who puts other people's wants and needs ahead of his own without any hesitation. My brother would accompany our 91-year-old Uncle Frank to multiple doctors appointments, emergency room visits, hospital stays and would eventually take care of him until he was no longer able to take care of himself. Bernard has also comforted and helped many people overcome their grief due to the loss of a loved one through his guidance and loving nature. Bernard is so strong, independent, brave and would never ask anyone for help. That's why I am asking you for your help. Please help me help him. He is the only family member I have. This is my baby brother. What would you do if this was your baby brother or sister? I would just like to put his mind at ease and have him concentrate on his health and not have him have to worry about finances as well as his health at the same time.

Your kindness and generosity would be greatly appreciated. It will not only ease the burden of all the daily costs of living, transportation to treatments and medical bills, but it will also serve as peace of mind for Bernard, so he may focus on a full recovery, so he may eventually go back to working full time and being the Bernard we all know and love. If everyone could please consider a donation, share this and spread the word, it would be greatly appreciated. I want to personally thank you all for your love, support, generosity and, most importantly, for loving Bernard as much as I do.