Giorgio’s story of recovery began in early November, at the age of 4, when Mom LeeAnn and Dad Andrea noticed something was just “off” about Giorgio. Usually extremely healthy, he had trouble sleeping, had frequent and random episodes of vomiting, and had spoken of frequent headaches that began affecting his appetite. After weeks of consultation with specialists and growing frustration at the seeming lack of progress, on November 22, 2022, an MRI showed a large cystic mass in the right frontal lobe of his brain. On December 5th, Giorgio underwent 8 hours of surgery that resulted in a near-total resection of a 6x4x2cm tumor, followed by emergency surgery to remove an arterial line that broke in his left wrist and needed to be removed before starting moving through his body.
The pathology report found it to be cancerous and consistent with a malignant and rare form of brain cancer called atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, or ATRT. Giorgio’s oncologist at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis suggested the ACNS00033 protocol and quickly began with two rounds of induction chemotherapy. Induction proved to be difficult on Giorgio’s body. During treatment, he had to overcome c-diff and severe respiratory issues, and he has experienced severe neuropathy in all extremities that are still lingering to this date. Quickly after, Giorgio completed three rounds of high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue therapy at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, impressing the staff with his determination and willingness to play and move despite an unexpected and concerning trip to the ICU. The last portion of the treatment – 30 sessions of Proton beam radiation therapy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN – concluded the day after his 5th birthday. While in Rochester, another surgery was needed after a Saturday night visit to the ER for a malfunctioning Hickman. Prior to the first of those sessions, he witnessed another patient ringing the bell for the end of her treatment which made him eager to do the same. Giorgio rang the bell on July 31, 2023, 250 days from his initial diagnosis.
While the road ahead is still long and includes monthly lumbar punctures and oral chemo, Giorgio’s family is convinced he will continue to lead the way with his usual playfulness and bright eyes. Giorgio has been described as a spicy noodle, maintaining his silliness and smile throughout a brutal chemo regimen way too familiar to the families that have to deal with this disease. His body shows the signs of the seven surgeries he had so far; he is sporting a pair of flashy AFOs to assist with walking and brand-new “super ears” that should help him throughout his life with the chemo-induced hearing loss. Nevertheless, he continues to be bilingual, fluent in English and Italian, bringing joy and an inspiring example to everyone around him on how to take on seemingly overwhelming challenges. A step at a time, toward the final line.
To keep up with Giorgio’s journey, check out www.caringbridge.org/visit/giorgiog or Un Aiuto per Giorgio on Facebook.
