In Honor of...
Relapse:
Take a look at this photo. Does it look like a boy whose cancer has resurfaced to wreak havoc on his fragile body, once again? March 5th, 2024, marks the second worst day of my life – the day we learned of our son Rocco's relapse. We're crippled from the pain and anguish of this. The thought of Rocco enduring another round of treatment is unbearable. Learning that relapsed Neuroblastoma carries only a 5% survival rate is paralyzing. Rocco is our entire world, and the day of his relapse felt like my soul was ripped from my body.
Many will want to know what led to this relapse. Rocco had been experiencing abdominal pain and occasional vomiting for the past three weeks. The other day while complaining about his belly, I gently rubbed it, & felt a mass – in the same location as his original tumor. Despite initial reluctance from Dr. Modak, we insisted on emergency scans, which confirmed our worst fears.
An emergency ultrasound revealed the mass, and LD levels exceeding 1300. A biopsy of the nearly 10cm mass was done and confirmed Neuroblastoma, and today we undergo MIBG scans to assess any potential spread of the cancer.
Chemo started yesterday, with Rocco receiving a combination of three different agents, and will continue for the next 3 days.
We beg you all to join us in prayer – prayers louder and more urgent than ever before. God heard our pleas during Rocco's initial battle, and we beseech Him to listen again, the stakes are unimaginably higher.
The strength you had the first time, simply doesn’t exist this time around. To those asking how they can support us, we humbly accept any and all assistance. Above all, we ask for your prayers. Additionally, donating blood and platelets in Rocco's name at MSK (1250 1st Avenue) would be deeply appreciated. For those inclined to offer financial support, contributions can be made here in his personal name.
Despite the circumstances, Rocco's spirits remain high. He spent ten hours straight building Legos yesterday. We're planning to transform his bedroom into a Lego haven, with shelves to display his creations.
Diagnosis Day:
The nightmare began on May 12th, 2020 when Rocco Gabriel, at just 2.5 years old was diagnosed with stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma that had already spread to his bones and bone marrow. He underwent over 20 hours of invasive surgery, 5 cycles of Chemo, 14 rounds of Radiation, 5 rounds of Antibody and over 5 doses of vaccine. He fought a long hard battle with the support of family, friends and the power of prayer.
We are proud to share that Rocco is over 1 year cancer free.
In honor of Rocco’s remission, and to help the kids at MSK, the DiMaggio Family, along with their community, raised over $165,000 at the first annual Rocco Strong Gala in March 2022.
As a result of the extreme generosity of their community, Rocco Strong Inc. was officially born to help raise funds to support those who are working tirelessly to make advances in the treatment of pediatric cancer. These advances could lead to improvements in diagnostics, pioneering of medical interventions and ultimately a cure for these innocent children suffering from an unbearable disease. We are dedicated to protecting the Pediatric Cancer Community. In supporting our mission you’re supporting the great fight for children who cannot fight for themselves.
If you think this page contains objectionable content, please inform the system administrator.