It all started on Father's Day, June 15th, 2025, when Santo suffered a heart attack after spending the day with our family. Following that event, he had heart surgery to fix an aneurysm that was previously being monitored. During the surgery, he suffered a stroke, and his lung collapsed shortly after. After a while in the hospital, upon discharge, he went into afib. As if this wasn't enough, we later found out he contracted MRSA from the hospital, which later resulted in him being home on an IV drip through a PICC line, which eventually turned into a full-body rash. He then had to switch medications to an antibiotic, which he will be on for the rest of his life. After all of these occurrences, he has been home. He has been working in the steel mills since his 20s and has not been able to return but was planning to near the end of this year. Until recently, things took a turn for the worse. On October 4th, he threw up over a gallon of blood and once again was admitted into the hospital. They found an ulcer along with cancer in his esophagus. He was recently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (moderately differentiated). Right now, we are in the process of staging the cancer and determining if it has spread to other parts of his body. Needless to say, we have a long and hard road ahead.

My dad has not only been caring for me but also my three children, who are currently residing in his home due to other unforeseen circumstances. He is also caring for my sister and her 1-year-old son as well. In the residence are my mother, Jill Virga, my dad, Santo Virga, my sister, Ashley (who also suffers from medical issues), and the four small children, ages 1, 2, 6, and 7 years old.

He has been receiving short-term disability pay from his job, but in the coming two months, they will significantly cut his pay even more, and he will no longer be able to effectively cover his home costs, utility costs, medical costs, and any other costs he may have.

My dad has never been a taker; he always gives in any way he can. He is a man of God and loved by all who encounter him. He is incredibly humbled by the situation at hand and will be extremely grateful for any prayer, help, or assistance provided.

My dad is the most loving husband, father, and grandfather we could ever hope to have. Thank you so much for reading and sharing, and we will post updates as things happen. God bless.