Valentines for Vinnie Benefit to assist 9-year-old with throat cancer
BOARDMAN
So far, so good.
Throat cancer was the last thing on the minds of 9-year-old Vincent “Vinnie” Massacci or his parents as he enjoyed a game of flag football on a Sunday in early September 2014.
But a sore throat that resulted in visits to a local hospital emergency room, then to an ear, nose and throat specialist, and finally to Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, resulted in a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.
“Once you get over the initial shock, you go into ‘let’s beat this thing mode,’” said his father, Michael Massacci of Boardman.
Nearly four months after the diagnosis, the good news is that the cancer has not spread to other parts of Vincent’s body, and the tumor is shrinking.
“So far, so good,” Massacci said.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare childhood cancer that stems from muscle cells, according to the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
Life has changed for Vincent and the rest of his family.
Because of a weakened immune system, Vincent, previously an active, outdoors boy without health problems, is confined to his home, except for trips Mondays through Fridays to Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron for radiation and chemotherapy treatments, which tend to make him sick. He also sometimes gets chemo treatments at Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley in Boardman.
Instead of being with his friends at Boardman Glenwood Middle School, he is tutored at home.
His father and mother, Kathryn Massacci of Boardman, work shifts, each taking turns driving their son to Akron for treatments.
Mounting expenses not covered by insurance are becoming a burden, and they could use some financial assistance, said Colleen Helmick.
To help offset some of the costs, Helmick organized the Valentines for Vinnie benefit, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at New Life Church at 2250 E. Western Reserve Road in Poland.
Valentines for Vinnie includes a craft show, Chinese auction, food and bake sale and a reverse 50-50 raffle and 45 vendors. More will be accepted as long as they don’t duplicate those already signed up, Helmick said.
Valentines for Vinnie could also use donations, such as gas cards, money for supplies, from individuals, organizations and businesses. Also needed are volunteers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day of the event, she said.
For information about Valentines for Vinnie, call Helmick at 330-502-3390.
Vincent spends a lot of his time playing electronic and board games, reading, watching television and doing jigsaw puzzles. He also likes Super Heroes.
He loves being with his brother, Dominic, and sisters, twins Mia and Julia, and Sidney.
“Our employers, the community, churches, friends and family have been very supportive. It makes it easier. We are very grateful,” Michael said.
Besides “Vinnie,” Vincent has acquired a second nickname: “Iron Man.”
“When he got his medication port, I told him it looked like Iron Man; so the hospital painted his radiation mask to look like Iron Man. He’s also very strong and brave like Iron Man. We think he’s taking all this better than we are. He’s a trouper,” his father said.