This is Nicolas Spano. He is 11 years old.
On February 7th 2008 he was diagnosed with Hepato-Cellular Carcinoma (HCC). HCC is a very rare disease (1.5 in 1,000.000 cases in children under 15 years of age) in which cancer cells develop in the tissue of the liver and form a tumor.
Scans and examinations also revealed that the cancer had spread to one of the lungs. Chemotherapy has been administered to Nicolas for the last 8 months to help shrink the size of the tumors in the lung and the liver. But it has become apparent that only a liver transplant can save his life. Unfortunately Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto decided that Nicolas is not a candidate for an ordinary liver transplant, as the cancer has already spread to the lungs. Nicolas is considered a stage 4 cancer patient.
The family desperately started to look for other options and was brought into contact with a surgeon at Columbia University in New York City. He is proposing a unique double procedure that has never been performed before: a liver transplant as well as a bonemarrow/stem-cell transplant. For Nicolas and his family this is the most hopeful option. The operation is scheduled for November. One of his parents will be the living donor, and it is expected that Nicolas will be kept in hospital in NYC for several months. Because of the unprecedented nature of this procedure, OHIP have declined to finance Nicolas’ operation.
Nicolas’ parents are Kathrin von Dehn and Sebastian Spano. They have four children: Sophie (16), Nicolas (11), Sasha (9) and Isabella (1). They have lived in the Glebe since July 2002. Nicolas is a sensitive, caring boy who loves animals, little kids, reading and politics. He likes cars and driving…. but only golf carts for now! He loves attending hockey games and collects hockey cards. He eschews the traditional clothing of an adolescent boy and prefers to deconstruct clothes, and wears fedora hats.
Throughout his illness he has shown amazing strength and courage.
On behalf of Nicolas and his family, Thank you for caring.
Hi Nicolas,
ReplyDeleteI am wishing you luck in your upcoming procedure. I am sure it's a little scary, but I bet you'll do great.
I am a bone marrow donor. I donated my bone marrow through a stem-cell transplant 5 years ago this November. The man I saved had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was a complete stranger to me. It was one of the most defining things I have ever done in my life. They say donating through stem-cells is a much easier and less painful procedure for both the patient and the donor, so that is good that you will be getting the stem-cell transplant.
I wish you all the best and hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family! Are you loving NYC? Isn't it amazing, especially this time of year???
Michelle Lemieux
Hey Nicolas,
ReplyDeleteAmazing hat, where did you get it?! I've been looking for one just like it. You have unbelievable style, especially for your age. At your age most people are to afraid to stand out with there own creative style, so I think it is so cool that you are so true to yourself!
Welcome to NYC! I am wishing you love and support throughout this crazy time in your life. It sounds like you have an amazing family who loves you so much and I just say...focus on that to help you through the rough patches. I am one who believes that what you think in your mind is manifested through your body, so if you truly BELIEVE that your body is healing, it will. And if you truly RECEIVE the love that is being offered to you from so many, that love will heal!
I wish you all the best! Take wings and may all of your dreams come true!
With pure love,
Terri Colombino
Tonight all our thoughts are with you Nicky...
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Julie, Jacob and Willie
Hey cool Nic,
ReplyDeleteLove the hat! Our thoughts and prayers are with you everynight. All the best and keep strong young warrior.....
Our love and supports are with you.
Dear Nic,
ReplyDeleteI am confident that things are going to work out very well for you and your family. It has being a while since the last time I saw you, but I keep thinking of you as such a sweet and smart kid.
Muchos carinos,
Sophia
Feb. 18, 2009 21:26
ReplyDeleteI regret to inform all of you that it is to late to save Nicolas. He died in the hospital in New York. He dreamed of Becoming a race car driver and wanted to change his name to Ziggy Stardust. He went to my school. So I heard of him almost instatly when I got there. His lost is regreted by all.
Signed:
Flight Corporal Bothtawee Kelly
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Its so sad to read this because I remember I was in grade 3 when this happened and we had a fundraiser called Give Nic NYC. And I am friends with his brother Sasha:(
ReplyDelete