Joy for Jude

14 Station Road,Bellport NY 11713

20 May, 2023

Description

Our Jude Cosimo is that 1 in 20000. Less than a week after his initial diagnosis, Jude's right eye needed to be removed due to the aggressive nature of the tumor, and the seeding, or spreading of the tumor that was contaminating his bloodstream. Jude now goes to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City every 6 to 8 weeks for monitoring and scans in hopes of early detection, to save his left eye. With Jude's diagnosis, it is rare that only one eye is affected. In addition to scans, he will go every 6 months to a neurological oncologist for an MRI. These visits will take place until the minimum age of 5 years old. At that time he will be re-evaluated and a new care plan will be put into place. Part of Jude's diagnosis means his body is unable to release the tumor-suppressing protein that fights tumor growth. If a tumor does develop it will grow at a very rapid rate. By the time we see physical signs, it is too late. And cancer has progressed to a higher stage. Frequent scans are the only way to stay on top of Jude's health! Jude and his parents travel into NYC as a family the night before to stay in a local hotel so they can be on time for his early morning appointments. Each time, Jude goes under anesthesia. As Jude grows, he will need multiple prosthetics. Unfortunately, prosthetic eyes are not covered by our insurance, and they are very expensive. There is only one ocularist in the tri-state area, and they control the cost of prosthetic eyes. The cost is approximately 5000 dollars per eye. if it is lost, it needs to be recreated. There is no insurance on these prosthetics. At this time, Jude receives vision therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy services to help with his balance issues, and depth perception, and he has started the beginning stages of learning braille, proactively. Our mission is to bring awareness to this rare pediatric cancer, while also inspiring other families to hold onto joy through sharing Jude's journey. We aspire to spread Jude's sunshine even on the darkest days. the proceeds of this Joy For Jude fundraiser will be used to help our family with the costs of traveling, prosthetics and interventions that are needed. Our family thanks you, and appreciates you for your hard-earned donation and time to help us fight this disgusting disease.