Community helps families fight against cancer

Here is a inspirational story about a Hamilton man who is suffering from cancer and is in the fight of his life. Just months ago, it looked as though Frank Italiano was out of options, but with the help of the community, he may have new hope.

In a fight for his life, Frank Italiano sees only one option: “Just try to stay positive and look forward.”

Trying to stay positive, though the 50-year old father of three has been through chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant that did not work. Now, a last resort treatment, one that is not covered by the government.

Marlow Italianno is Frank’s wife: “Our doctor asked the drug company to see if they would, you know, kick in anything, or on compassionate grounds help us out and that was a no. So it’s out of our pocket completely”

The drug is called Brentuximab. It has not yet been approved for treatment in Canada. Frank’s wife Marlow heard about the experimental treatment from a story on CHCH in June of 2012. Hamilton native and former Canadian Idol contestant Vince Benenati was going through a similar struggle, and a year later he is still here. But paying the huge cost, was a big issue. It’s 15 thousand dollars per dose, every three weeks 8 times.

Marlow said: “We’ll fiind the money, we’ll do whatever, put the house up for sale, we’re gonna get this treatment.”

They’ve had to sell Frank’s business, and dip into their savings. But also Marlow got the word out on social media. There is a Facebook page dedicated to Frank’s struggle, and donations have been rolling in.

Marlow said: “It’s been actually overwhelming. Amazing support; than you to all of you.”

Currently they have paid for the first treatment, and donations have covered the second. Something that has touched Frank: “People have big hearts, it’s not the money.”

And though Frank is moving slower these days and requires a lot of rest, they are hopeful that they are turning a corner.

Marlow says: “There’s no question in my mind. He’s going to make it.”

Anyone who would like more information can contact Marlow Italiano through Facebook, and there’s also a gmail address called chanceforfrank@gmail.com