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Tino's Double Lung Transplant



Hi everyone, 
I'd like to introduce you to my best friend. His name is Santino, he is 26 years old. Tino was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as an infant; but since I met him 15 years ago and he has never stopped. He has always been very health conscious and loves to cook. I'm not sure how he makes the time to play with my kids and somehow find the energy to still workout and maintain his physical health. In high school he trained hard and became a skilled boxer.  He was a fierce competitor despite his condition and won match after match. Tino also worked in local restaurants and he put in long hours for a local security company. When his health began to deteriorate he had to stop boxing, but he continued to fight. Tino carries this tenacity for life that I have always been drawn to. As I struggled he always reminded me that life was worth fighting for, and that if you're here, you might as well make the most of it. Even when things weren't going well for Tino, he always reminded me to focus on the positive. He is a positive role model for my kids who love him for the love and guidance he has and continues to give them. 

Santino is an amazing man, with an amazing drive for life. He has now begun the process of double lung transplant which is exciting and scary all at once. The process is long, and the expenses are beyond what the government will assist with. He will be required to stay in Toronto, have to pay for his stay as well as food and travel expenses throughout the testing. After the testing as he will be required to return to Toronto for follow-up. He will be required to stay in the Toronto area for months to ensure his safety immediately following the transplant and he will have to have a travel companion in place to arrange his appointments and assist with travelling.

I am watching my best friend slowly fading, as the days of coughing with little rest has become harder and harder on Tino. I see the struggles the world doesn't see, because he stays in bed when it takes too much energy to try to breathe, let alone move his own body out of bed. The doctors are urging that this transplant needs to be sooner than later and with each day that passes we are losing more time with him. He has been on oxygen full time for 3 years now, both in the home and mobile. The struggle is getting harder and harder, and we need your help. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about Tino's journey, 

Please help me to help my best friend to get a new start in life, so he can keep being the amazing role model my 3 & 5 year old love

because we all deserve to breathe easy <3
Beth

Organizer

Tino Spatola
Organizer
Sarnia, ON

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