Benefit set for 3 year old battling leukemia

June 15, 2017

Written By

Mary Friona Celani

We first told you about little Francesca a few months ago after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her dad, Dominic gave us an update as well as information on a benefit.

UPDATE:

Dominic says her little sweetie is staying strong, “She’s been doing ok. She starting a new round of treatments today starting with her 10th(?) spinal tap and chemo infusion. Friday she goes back for another infusion of stronger chemo that they are pretty much guaranteeing that she will lose her hair”

Still, the family is hopeful and staying strong for little Francesca.

Family and friends are holding a benefit for Francesca and her family. Here are the details.

WHERE: Fraternal Order of Eagles, 5469 Broadway, Depew

WHEN: June 18 at 1 p.m.

COST: $20

I know what you’re thinking – that sweet face.

I couldn’t agree more.

That is Francesca Morabito. Around Valentine’s Day she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her father, Dominic told me the diagnosis was a total shock, “Mid December she was complaining of headaches so we took her to her primary and he thought it was a sinus infection so antibiotics were ordered and the headaches went away.” Unfortunately, the headaches came back around Christmas. They went to a neurologist who ordered an MRI which seemed to be normal except for slightly enlarged tonsils, which for a 3-year-old was no cause for alarm. An Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor found Francesca had an ear infection.  More antibiotics were prescribed. A follow-up found the horrible news. The little sweetie’s lymph nodes were swollen to the size of golf balls. Blood work came back and Francesca and her parents were sent to the ER at Women and Children’s Hospital. Dominic says that’s when he and his wife, Justine heard those awful words, “It was rough at first to hear the diagnosis. My wife lost it almost immediately. I waited until I got home later then I broke down.”

Now, one week later, there is a game plan for Francesca. She’ll receive 29-days of intense chemotherapy in the hospital. Followed up by two and a half years of maintenance.

As you can imagine, this is a devastating blow for any child. For any family. I’ve always thought that when a child is sick like this, the family should receive financial help from the government – a paid family leave. Sadly, that is not the case, so friends and family usually take it among themselves to step in and help. That’s the case here – a gofundme page was set up to help with medical and other expenses., because this family should not have to worry about anything at all – except their sweet little girl. And big brother, Gabriel.

Please help this family if you can.

 

GO FUND ME PAGE 

 

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About Me

 

 

Welcome to Totally Buffalo! A local lifestyle website.

My name is Mary Friona-Celani and I am the creator of this site! I’m a wife, a mom, a grandma, a Buffalo booster, an entrepreneur and a small business owner. I’m so glad you stopped by.  After 20 years in the buffalo media, I went out on my own to tell stories about the people, places, events and all-around fabulousness of this wonderful place we call home. Buffalo is different and so is this site. We are here to share stories, encourage kindness, and help make this a better place to live.

We’ll help those in need when we can through our charity arm, Totally Buffalo Cares.

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3 Comments

  1. Avatar

    Thank you for the touching story. Dom, Justine, Gabe and Francesca know that we are ALWAYS there for anything they need. Our Prayers will be with them.

  2. Avatar

    That poor sweet girl, she and her family are in my prayers

  3. Avatar

    Be strong!! Keep fighting!! We love you!!!
    #CESCASTRONG

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  1. Francesca’s Dad has a message for WNY » Totally Buffalo - […] We first told you about little Francesca just last week. (Read story) […]

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