Help Fara Vitale-Milazzo & Family Fight Stage 4 Cancer

Update September 6, 2023:

Dear friends,

Hope everyone had a great summer.  I want to give everyone an update of the campaign and Fara’s condition.  Two weeks ago, the boys visited mom (pictured) and were able to spend some quality time together before school started.  However, Fara’s condition remains challenging so please keep her in your prayers.

We have got almost 400 donations in less than one month!  Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated, contributed to mealtrain (full already!) and offered help and prayers.  Last week, Manhasset High School also reached out to Dave to offer help.  We are forever grateful for this outpouring of love from everyone.

We would like to do another push on the fundraising front to lessen their financial burdens and contribute to some college funding for the boys as they are only two years away from college.   Please help spread the words further via social media and emails!

Link: https://givetaxfree.org/campaigns/help-fara-vitale-milazzo-family-fight-stage-4-cancer/

Thanks again for everything!

Love,
Rebecca

Update August 26, 2023:

We are really touched by your generosity and love for Fara and the Milazzo family.  In just two weeks, we have received 322 donations totalling $122.5k – from friends, families, co-workers, neighbors, local communities, boys’ soccer and lacrosse friends, Fara’s patients and many many more (sorry if I miss any category).  It is a testament to how much they are loved.  When I mentioned the campaign at work, I couldn’t believe some co-workers even volunteered to donate without ever meeting Fara.  May God bless Fara and the Milazzo family!

This has been and will continue to be a tough journey for the family.  However, this fundraising campaign does not only provide the financial support they need, it also exhibits the love that warms their hearts.  Last week, I visited Fara at the hospital and updated her on the campaign.  In her frail body, there is a strong heart – she was in good spirit despite the pain she had.

Just a couple days ago, she managed to step outside the hospital for the first time in over a month and took this beautiful picture with Dave (Attached in this email).  She will continue to fight for the love of her family and all of you.

Some people have reached out to me about other ways to help the family.  If you are interested, Lisa Leadbetter has set up a mealtrain for the family.  Since Dave is in the hospital everyday from 6am to 6pm, providing (ordering) them dinner would save him time to cook or order food for the family.  Mealtrain Link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/w912mq

Fundraising link: https://givetaxfree.org/campaigns/help-fara-vitale-milazzo-family-fight-stage-4-cancer/

Please continue to spread the words for us and keep the Milazzo family in your prayers.  I will post this update on the fundraising campaign soon to all the donors, but feel free to forward to your contact re this campaign.

Thanks again for your support!!!!!

Love,
Rebecca

Update August 16,2023:

Dear friends,

First of all, I want to thank you for your generosity to support the fundraising campaign for Fara and her family during this challenging time.  Dave also wants to extend his gratitude since the funding allows the family to spend more time with Fara (don’t have to worry about lost income), focus on her health and get the best medical assistance possible.

Although Fara’s condition has had ups and downs over the last few weeks, she is in good spirit.  Yesterday, the hospital granted special permission for the family Dog Rocco to visit her.  Rocco was so happy to see mommy and Fara was excited too.  Attached are two pictures from the visit.

Please keep the Vitale-Milazzo in your prayers!  In addition, as we continue to fund raise towards our goal, please help us spread the words – on facebook, instagram, via email etc.

This is the link to the fundraising campaign: https://givetaxfree.org/campaigns/help-fara-vitale-milazzo-family-fight-stage-4-cancer/

   

Love,
Rebecca

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Our Friends, the Milazzos, Need Our Support

In 2022, our dear friend, Fara (aka ‘Dr Vitale’, ‘Dr. V’), received the devastating news that she had Stage IV Appendiceal Cancer, an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Those who know Fara know that she lives with heart, is selfless, generous, intelligent, authentic, humble, hard-working, honest, and compassionate. Fara is a proud mother to twin boys, Joseph and Gianluca (16 years old), as well as her much loved Golden Retriever, Rocco, and a devoted wife of 19 years to Dave.  Fara loves watching Joseph and Gianluca compete as outstanding lacrosse and soccer dual athletes.  She is also a loving daughter to her two feisty but good natured and hardworking Italian immigrant parents and caring sister to her two brothers. Many of us get a kick out of watching Fara’s feisty Italian side come out as she lovingly but firmly guides her “three” boys.

Together with the support of her family and friends, she continues to fight a brave battle traveling to Pittsburgh to undergo two major surgeries, and dealing with crippling rounds of chemotherapy, as well as, painful lingering complications and infections.  Recently following her second invasive surgery, she received the heartbreaking news that her cancer had metastasized. Additionally, due to complications from that last surgery, for the past month plus, Fara has been at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset where the oncologist team is working tirelessly to alleviate her pain so her treatment plan can move forward.

Unfortunately, a large part of their income is generated from Fara’s 24+ years working as a much loved and respected pediatrician in Westchester county which she has been unable to do for some time now. Dave has also lost income due to Fara’s countless doctor visits and hospital stays. The loss of a majority of Fara’s income, as well as, the reduction in Dave’s has been and will continue to be financially devastating with respect to mortgage payments, monthly living expenses, medical costs, future college bills, etc.

The past year and a half has been extremely challenging, emotional, and frightening for the Milazzos. The outpouring of love, emotional support and prayers from family and friends has been overwhelming for them.  We are looking to continue to support the Milazzos in their time of need by lessening the financial burdens they are facing. A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.

It is difficult for Fara and Dave to reach out for help as they are typically the ones offering support versus asking for it. Fara has not worked much since the diagnosis, and they know they are up against a long and expensive journey. Your donations will help with past and future expenses. If you are not in a position to donate, please continue to keep Fara and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

P.S. Please notice that donation to the Milazzo family via givetaxfree.org is tax deductible if you itemize your tax deduction.  You will receive a tax donation letter upon contribution.

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