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At age 37, I had a horrible emergency surgery. Lost 3/4th of my body’s blood and the surgeon said I almost lost my life. Our dr told me I would never be able to conceive a child, but at 44 years of age, my fiancée Anthony and I found out we were expecting. We were ecstatic! At my 20 week pregnancy check I was told by three doctors that Fiona had Down syndrome, a rare heart defect, and a rare brain abnormality called Holoprosencephaly. Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is normally not compatible of life. Based on the HPE diagnosis, Fiona had a 3% chance of survival and 1% chance to live past 6 months of age. Fiona has defied the odds and will be 8 on October 29th.
Born with a fiery spirit, Fiona has beat the odds that doctor’s predicted. Fiona spent the first 17 months of her life in and out of the hospital and was left with a feeding tube, unable to lift her head, unable to sit up or have any form of independent mobility; she struggled to survive.
When Fiona just turned 7 years old, I developed breast cancer. Being the proactive mother that I am, while fighting for my own life, I kept focused on Fiona and began to envision Fiona walking. Feverishly, I began researching for ways to help my daughter walk. This research led me to a company out of Canada called Trexo. Trexo Robotics is a company that manufactures robotic gait trainers. The robotic gait trainers provide support to a child in an upright position, and assists them, within a bracing system, to walk independently. There is no other product like this.
I recognized the great opportunity that the gait trainer would provide for Fiona to walk independently. Despite the fact that Fiona is wheelchair bound, and is dependent for her mobility, when I stand her in an upright position, she moves her feet and shows a strong desire to walk. I had the conviction that if I could get this gait trainer for Fiona, in time she WILL walk. Her walking may look different, but it would be walking, and this is our dream for Fiona to gain the independence to walk.
From a funding source, we are blessed with this robotic walker for 4 months. In this 4 months, we must raise funds to purchase the robotic walker for Fiona. The cost of this robotic gait trainer is $35,000 and we have just 3 months remaining to raise this money. If we do not raise this money, this robotic walker will be taken from Fiona and returned to the manufacturer in Canada. Fiona is living on “borrowed time” with the robotic walker.
Fiona has already made great strides. Once able to only walk the short length of a few feet with her normal gate trainer, she is currently making amazing progress with the robotic walker and walking the equivalency of a football field!! It is miraculous! I have seen her fiery spirit and determination to succeed in walking independence and would like for her to have the opportunity to continue to advance her walking skills with the use of the robotic walker.
Please bless Fiona with this wish to walk by donating to our fund to purchase the Trexo robotic walker.
To see more of Fiona walking in her Trexo, please join us at “Team Fiona” on Facebook or “TeamFiona_awishtowalk” on TicTok. Thank you so much for taking the time and reading our story.
Family and friends of Fiona Italiano are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Fiona has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share Fiona’s page on your social media platforms so others may consider a donation.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
In the news! https://www.kmov.com/2022/05/02/family-raising-money-help-daughter-with-rare-disorder/
Thank you all so very much.
I’m happy to report we have raised enough for a full year for Fiona!! Thank you to those that have made this possible
We are 1,725. Almost two more moths with her walker. Almost to Jan6th!!! So awesome. Thank you guys!!!
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Have hope.
Steve Mork
Fiona you are amazing, and have most supportive parents! I met you in 2019 at the DSAGSL holiday party with my Kiddo Aspen, and saw the light in your eyes. Your parents are making your life some much richer ❤️
Laura Vrabel
❤️
Teri Sorich
My 54 year old son passed away unexpectedly on 12/31/22, thanks to the many generous people who donated on Go Fund Me, his wife was able to paid for his funeral needs.
Judith Worth
Heaven's gate!! He never fails!! Keep believing.
Anonymous
Best Wishes to you and that sweet little girl! ❤️❤️❤️
Barbara O’Brien
God bless Fiona and her family.
Susan Lovellette
It is not much, but I hope it will help! Best of luck. You are an amazing couple.
Jerome Husgen
I would like to purchase a few t shirts... price please....notify me at ,.. [email protected] as soon as possible.
Pamela Walker
You go girl!
Anonymous
My granddaughter is named Fiona also. Love her so much as you love your Fiona. God bless you and your family.
Carolyn Sutton
With my Mom having 9 healthy babies and I have 3 healthy children, I empathize with your challenges while also thanking you to bringing this life into the world and caring for her so tenderly and lovingly.
Mary Carretero
God bless!
Judy Harig
God Bless!
Anonymous
A gift from the neighborhood kids from what was collected over the summer, along with some later contributions :). Blessings and Happy New Year!
Stefanie Byrd
I grew up in that subdivision. So many great people and so much love as I recall. Even knew the other who lived in that house in Oldewick. I hope Fiona some day will share similar memories! Best wishes to the entire family!
Anonymous
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
Libby Sandridge
Love you guys!
Tianna Trusheim
Sending our love and prayers!
Hanley Meaghan
Go Fiona!
Roxanne Steele
Fiona deserves this more than any person I know. The love you have for your girl is extraordinary. ❤️
Deb Allen
Blessings to you all! Praying for a successful campaign!
Steve and Stefanie Byrd
Love you sweet girl! I thank God for bringing you into my life.
Keep shining bright!
Julie Davidson
I wish all the best for Fiona and her family. I follow your page for Fiona and it’s absolutely amazing the progress she has made. My heart is with all of you.
Heather &Tom Hall
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Fiona Marcella Italiano
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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