The Baby V Foundation was established April, 2006, following our daughter, Vincenza’s, diagnosis of Hepatoblastoma. Our goal is to work with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) to raise enough money to fund new research protocols in the area of Hepatoblastoma (HB).

Vincenza Marie graced our presence on July 14, 2004. In November, she began exhibiting “flu-like” symptoms. Multiple pediatrician and E/R visits yielded the same “viral” diagnosis. On April 10th, Vincenza’s abdomen distended and, although we knew something was drastically wrong, we were shocked when tests revealed a large mass. Many events transpired in the next few days, including the final diagnosis of HB, a rare form of liver cancer.

Our physician’s recommended surgery and on April 13th 2005, a 2.2 lb. tumor (10% of her body weight), 75% of her liver and gallbladder were removed. Originally labeled Stage I HB, we were very hopeful of a full recovery. However, the tumor ruptured during removal, contaminating the abdomen and elevating Vincenza to Stage III HB. Following 3 additional surgeries and numerous tests and procedures, Vincenza underwent 2 rounds of chemo. We then transferred to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where she received a more aggressive form of chemo for her final 4 rounds. By the end of August, the original AFP of 1.24 million had declined to within normal range (0-15).

We are forever grateful to those who inspired the research that saved our daughter’s life and want to reciprocate. This is one reason the Foundation was started. The two protocols that were available to Vincenza are five and seven years old. Our greatest desire is to fund research that would ensure any child affected with HB or other rare tumors a 100% survival rate. If we cannot eradicate pediatric rare tumor cancer, we want to provide these children with the greatest chance of survival.

To have your child or a child you love be diagnosed with cancer is very traumatic. The Baby V. Foundation is here to help.

As of March, 2010 our daughter remains in remission.