Team Rocky - #noonefightsalone

It’s been 10 months since we have shared an update on Rocky and her treatment progress. As you may remember, Rocky was first diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in early 2019 when she was in 8th grade. The initial tumor was in her left clavicle. It was surgically removed, and she was treated with 14 rounds of chemotherapy.

She relapsed in her right lung with a small tumor in 2020, 2021 and now June of 2022. All three relapses have been in the same place (right lower lung) and the same size (approx 1-1.5cm). With each relapse, the treatment decision was to ensure that the treatment would be delivered to other parts of the body to avoid and prevent the disease from moving to other areas since this type of cancer spreads aggressively. Chemotherapy again was recommended with the first relapse (2020), whole lung and local tumor radiation were recommended for the second relapse (Fall of 2021), and surgery is recommended with this third relapse. However, we know this disease requires more to prevent its return.

The positive: the PET scan reveals no other evidence of disease in her body!! This news is HUGE as this is BEATABLE!!

Rocky will undergo surgery to remove the portion of her lung next week, followed by a 2nd surgery the following week to repair her collarbone where the current prosthetic lies. We all know that she is up for the challenge and in typical Rocky fashion, she delivered the news in person to my daughter Kaitlyn while exuding positive energy and outlook – she doesn’t allow herself to be defeated – and nor will any of us supporting Rocky and her family.

The steps after surgery are what the Elardo family is on top of – you must stay one step ahead of this beast, and they are more than a few steps ahead.

When it comes to the tumor relapsing, the “standard of care” therapies (chemo, radiation and surgery) are covered by insurance minus the annual $6000 deductible. Regarding preventing its return, there are no “standards” and insurance doesn’t cover anything beyond standard of care.

Clinical studies may become an option if there’s another recurrence, but she doesn't currently qualify because she’s having it surgically removed. The Elardo family is connected with several program directors at top academic centers doing Ewing's sarcoma research in case a cure surfaces.

Two tests were discovered that match the genetics of the tumor to agents that are sensitive to it. This helps target specific medicines and supplements to her exact tumor. Rocky has completed one test, and 10 specific medicines/supplements have been identified to have a potential effect. The second test will be done using a portion of the tumor from the upcoming surgery. Precision medicine at its finest! These specific tests along with other researchers working on cures have given the family high hope for Rocky beating this!

To prevent another recurrence, the medicines and supplements that have shown sensitivity, will be cycled for 4 to 8 weeks periods. One group of medicines will be given for 4 to 8 weeks and then another group will be given. This “on-off” cycle will be for the rest of her life with some tweaking along the way.

Research has shown that with metastatic cancers, there are several pathways the cancer uses to feed itself. It figures out how to get around the blocked pathway if blocked for too long. Thus, cycling the medicines and supplements are necessary until a cure is discovered that will break the specific Ewing’s mutation.

Although the fight continues, energy and positivity remain high. Rocky is bigger than this and although she has been fighting since she was in 8th grade, she now will be a Senior in high school and her spirit doesn’t waiver. Her positivity is infectious, and her plans are forging ahead. She's preparing for college tours, applications and writing her essay! Yes, if you're thinking "this must be hard", it is! But through ALL of this, she continues to try to be as normal as possible, like any other 17-year-old senior.

Our goal is to support the Elardo Family with the costs associated with Rocky’s ongoing “standard of care” treatment and preventative therapies. The estimated out of pocket cost to treat and combat Rocky’s cancer is between $16,000 - $21,000 annually ($6K medical deductible, $7K-$10K medications/supplements, and $2K-$3K for preventative treatment providers). This does not include the personal costs related to travel, time off work, fast meals on long days, etc. If you are able, please consider donating to #TeamRocky GoFundMe. Whatever our fantastic community can do to help offload the continued financial strain will allow the family to place their focus where it is needed most – on Rocky.

I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes from Rocky the movie; the irony that Raquel’s nickname is “Rocky” should not be lost on any of us. (Don’t kill me Rocky but I must brag that this kid is currently participating in a shadowing day with the head Ortho surgeon at Inova Schar Fairfax today!!! She refuses to be defined by the crappy hand she has been dealt – I love and admire her so incredibly much!!!)

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” – Rocky Balboa

Picture was taken in May 2022 at HHS Prom - Rocky and her best friend who is also her sister, Gigi.

Please see update on 10/18/2021 for Round 3 of Rocky's battle.

Rocky (Raquel) Elardo is the definition of so many things but what comes to mind first is toughness and perseverance. Rocky is a beautiful 15 year old high school Sophomore with a passion for basketball. 

In early 2019 she injured her collar bone during a basketball game. After weeks of treatment her injury was not healing and additional tests were ordered revealing the devastating diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma. Her collarbone injury was going to happen regardless because a tumor was pressing on the bone. Rocky and her family got to work fast to kick this cancer’s ass with the most painful outcome being that she was not able to be an “on court” participant as a Freshman on the Heritage Varsity basketball team but instead of accepting defeat she showed up...she showed up to practice, to games, to events and she cheered her team on. Every. Single. Day. She showed everyone what it means to persevere.

Fast Forward to January 2020 after 14 rounds of chemotherapy, surrounded by family, friends and teammates, Rocky rang the bell at iNova in celebration of being cancer free. Life started to return to normal and even the pandemic couldn’t stop Rock from living her best life. 

Unfortunately during a routine scan in October her best life came to a screeching halt when a mass was found on her lung. Like the warrior she is, Rocky took the news like a champ and started a new protocol of treatment and is 2 rounds in. She will persevere because that is what she is built to do. With the new treatment comes new costs and while her friends and teammates brainstorm various fundraising activities my family wanted to kickoff this Go Fund Me rally. All funds will go directly to the Elardo family to help with medical, travel, and any other expense associated with the roller coaster reality of childhood cancer. 

Thank you for supporting Team Rocky - #noonefightsalone

the beneficiary of this campaign is Christine Pasquarelli (rocky’s mom) per the direction of both Christine and Elardo (dad). The funds will be used for medical and personal expenses associated with Rocky’s treatment.