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For Nico

In September of 2012 Nico Santoli was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer of the eyes called retinoblastoma

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For Nico

For Nico

For Nico

For Nico

For Nico

In September of 2012 Nico Santoli was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer of the eyes called retinoblastoma

In September of 2012 Nico Santoli was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer of the eyes called retinoblastoma

In September of 2012 Nico Santoli was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer of the eyes called retinoblastoma

In September of 2012 Nico Santoli was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer of the eyes called retinoblastoma

Team Santoli
Team Santoli
Team Santoli
Team Santoli
1 Campaign |
Oradell, United States
$7,458 USD 79 backers
37% of $20,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Nico Michael Santoli was born on January 19th, 2011.  Nico is the first son of Dominic and Christina Santoli.  Dominic graduated from Bergen Catholic in 2000 where he was a standout athlete.  Dominic then attended The University of Delaware where he started on the 2003 National Championship football team.   Dominic is now a gym teacher and coach on both the football and wrestling teams at Bergen Catholic high school, his alma mater.

On September 14th, 2012 while preparing the Crusaders for one of the biggest games in the program’s history, Dominic received news that would change his life forever.  His son Nico was diagnosed with unilateral retinoblastoma, which is a rare form of childhood cancer.  Retinoblastoma is a rapidly developing cancer that develops in the cells of retina, it only effects approximately 300 children annually.  Fortunately, for the Santoli family retinoblastoma has a very high cure rate, and Nico’s case was caught very early.  However, not only does Nico’s vision and eye itself remain in jeopardy, the treatment is very specialized and expensive.

Nico must undergo surgical chemotherapy which is called intra-arterial chemotherapy.  Intra-arterial chemotherapy is the insertion of a tiny catheter into the femoral artery in the groin which allows the chemotherapy direct access to the tumor site.  Unlike conventional chemotherapy delivery, intra-arterial chemotherapy reaches tumor sites directly and mitigates side-effects for the rest of the body.  Nico is under the expert care of Dr. Shields at the WILS Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and Dr. Jabbour at the Thomas Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience.

Anyone that is close to Dominic knows how tough he is.  However, the toughest fight of his life is ahead of him and his family.   Anyone that has been around Dominic has been inspired by him, has been moved by his capacity to love, and impacted greatly by his infectious spirit. Now it is time for us to give our heart and soul #ForNico.  Please join us in supporting an amazing family and a strong little boy in any way you can.

 Here is a short statement from Nico's father, Dominic:

"I will never forget that day i got the call. I was 2500+ miles away from home, in las vegas where the HS football team i coach for was playing.  We were beginning our practice the day before the game when my wife called and gave me the news that stopped me dead in my tracks. My 20 month old son had been diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer called retinoblastoma. Thank GOD the head coach and athletic director were there to catch me as i fell into their arms and began to weep like i had never cried before.  Without hesitation the athletic director made a call and bought me a ticket for the next flight home.  To this day i cant stop thinking about how in my darkest hour, hundreds of people in my schools community reached out to help me in every way possible.  People sometimes ask me how i have the strength to handle this and keep my head above water. I tell them i dont do it myself. I tell them its the people who i have grown to know and love (and some who dont know me at all) continue to carry me through this situation with support and love.  This is hands down the toughest thing myself and my family have ever faced.  And ive seen my fair share of adversity in my life.  But now the job is simple. Be strong, Be positive and FIGHT until the cancer is no more!  Im a true believer in the power of positive thinking and the energy you put out is what you will receive back.  The Universe will provide for whatever you ask. You just need to know what to ask for.  Weve just begun this journey and humbly ask for your support.  We are all children of God so I consider all of you my brothers and sisters.

 
Ill be honest I have NO idea how much to set my fund raising goal at.
If you asked me id probably tell you i want to raise a billion dollars. #1 to make sure the ridiculous medical bills we have are paid and #2 to pay whomever it is to do research to find a way to destroy this bastard disease once and for all!

 

This isnt for me, this isnt for a vacation or for a personal gain. This is for my one and only SON and to be honest there isnt ANYTHING I wouldnt do to help him.

 

If you cant donate PLEASE SHARE MY SONS FACEBOOK PAGE! I want the world to know his story so when he is free and clear of this disease he will know how much people really care about him.

https://www.facebook.com/ForNicoSantoli#!/ForNicoSantoli

follow him on twitter: @fornicosantoli

 

I know in my bones my son will be fine. I know he is my son but let me tell you this boy is SPECIAL. He will grow up to be a great leader who brings people together!"

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