Hi my name is Linda Pagliuca. My cousin Eddie and his family are unique people and humble with the biggest heart that I know. All Eddie ever wants in life is peace for all and love. His son is now facing one of the biggest challenges ever.

Dear friends, family, and compassionate souls,

As we approach the season of giving, we find ourselves reaching out with heavy hearts, asking for your support during a challenging time for one of our own. Meet Emiliano, a spirited 4-year-old, currently undergoing a complex medical journey at Sick Kids Hospital. His diagnosis remains elusive, and as Christmas approaches, the possibility of spending the holiday in a hospital room looms over him, his devoted mother, and father.

Emiliano's Journey:

Emiliano has always been a bundle of joy, his laughter echoing through the halls of his home. However, in recent weeks, his health has taken an unexpected turn, leading his parents on a journey through countless tests, consultations, and sleepless nights. The medical team at Sick Kids Hospital is working diligently to unravel the mysteries of his condition, but as of now, answers elude them.

On November 20th, Emiliano was getting ready for his evening bath. Francesca noticed that Emiliano had a rash on his legs and arms, he also had a mild fever. The next morning Emiliano feet and hands were swollen and in pain, while also not being able to stand or walk. They took Emiliano to emerge at Southlake hospital in Newmarket where they admitted him into the hospital. Fast forward a few days and Emiliano was discharged on Thursday afternoon based on the fact he was able to walk and of course no swelling no rash no fever. Friday evening Emiliano was starting to display those initial same symptoms with painful hands and feet and mild fever. They gave him Tylenol based on the hospitals suggestion around 3am and waited til morning to re-evaluate. At this time Eddie and Francesca seen that Emiliano was pale and limp not able to stand or walk with no control over his bowels and coming in and out of consciousness. Eddie and Francesca rushed him to Southlake where they underwent a CT scan that came back clear. Doctors at this time sedated Emiliano and issued a breathing tube to regulate breathing to protect his lungs and brain. This is where Emiliano was then transported to Sick Kids Hospital into the ICU. He has now been moved to the neurological ward where further tests are being conducted. As of right now he has had 5 treatments of steroids to bring the inflammation down on his brain and spine and about to do a second therapy called PLEX which is a plasma exchange. After this PLEX of 5 to 7 treatments Emiliano will hopefully start physio to regain the ability to walk . Emiliano continues to showcase his strength determination to continue to fight. His parents are proud of him and stand by him every day morning to night.

A Family's Struggle:

During these last few weeks Eddie and Francesca have had to put everyday life on hold while staying by Emilianos bedside. Aside from everyday bills, Eddie and Francesca have had to find accommodations as they live to far from the hospital as well as only one parent is allowed to stay. Breakfast lunch and dinner starts to add up as well as parking and the odd time one of Eddie or Francesca drive home to ensure things are taken care of there. There world has been flipped upside down as this whole thing has came out of left field to a relatively healthy and happy boy.

Your Call to Action:

This Christmas, as we gather with our loved ones, let's extend our circle of care to include Emiliano and his family. Let's help support the best way we can either through donations or the power of prayer. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to ensuring that Emiliano receives the care he deserves.