The Finocchi Family

Paul, his wife Kathleen, and their three kids were visiting with family near Ft. Lauderdale during the holidays. On the night of December 27th, having just settled onto the couch to watch a movie, Paul suffered a stroke. Despite being rushed to the hospital by ambulance for immediate treatment, he suffered severe loss of motion on his left side. To date, he is still unable to walk or move his left limbs without significant effort. While in the hospital, scans and biopsies uncovered a possible cause for the stroke: Paul was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which had already metastasized. Since he had never felt the least bit sick, this was a shocking and overwhelming revelation for everyone.

Paul transferred to a rehab center closer to home on January 12, where he's been getting intensive physical and occupational therapy. His cancer treatment is likely to begin next week and his career as a chef (a left-handed one, unfortunately) will be on hold, indefinitely. Kathleen will continue to teach 3rd grade in St. Petersburg while caring for their children (ages 11, 14 and 16) and shuttling them to school, their extra-curricular activities and the eldest’s job at a grocery store.

There is a lot to figure out, and unforeseen expenses have started piling up. Family is assisting, and many friends have asked how to help. This page has been established for those of you who would like to donate to help the Finocchi family as they learn to navigate their lives following this unexpected tragedy. Funds will be put toward medical care, rehabilitation, and home and personal expenses for Paul and his family.

Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and continued prayers.