Matteo, 4, faces worst nightmare: Coronavirus and terminal brain tumor
An Unforeseen Challenge for a Young Boy and His Family:
When Matteo Feruzzi (4) fell ill in February, his mother Jennifer thought it was just the common flu. Matteo had severe headaches and stomach pains, but his mom thought it would pass.
The nightmare that followed, she had never seen coming.
Her son began to develop other symptoms, and his health deteriorated rapidly. When he started to squint, Jennifer realized that something was seriously wrong with her boy.
At the hospital, doctors discovered that Matteo had an irreversible brain tumor. Jennifer’s world fell apart, while doctors tried to figure out what they could do.
Imagine being told that your child has brain cancer and the chances of survival are slim to none. Nothing is worse for a parent than this.
Doctors said Matteo needed an emergency operation to relieve pressure in his brain.
“It was the worst night of my life, of course, every parent’s worst nightmare,” Jennifer told Fox News.
After the operation, Matteo was sent home to recover.
The boy would have to undergo chemotherapy in the near future.
Unfortunately, there was more bad news. Shortly after the operation, Jennifer contracted the coronavirus and had to go into quarantine.
“It was hard for me to be so sick in the bedroom and hear my son in the other room, without being able to see him or comfort him that mom is here,” Jennifer told WGNTV.
The mother believes she caught the infection in the hospital when she brought Matteo in.
“The best I can do is have a good cry in the shower,” his mother says.
Jennifer hopes that her son’s story can raise awareness about brain cancer. She also has an important message for everyone, especially parents:
“If your child shows symptoms or complains about something, take him to the pediatrician immediately. Even if there’s nothing wrong, it’s better than doing nothing.”
Family and friends have started a fundraising campaign to help the Ferruzzi family pay for the chemo treatments. Matteo still has the virus in his body. The treatments will take place later this year.
So far, the fundraiser has raised $48,000.
“The love, support, and prayers we have received are overwhelming. Especially when the world is going through such a tough time,” Jennifer says.
Heavenly Father, I hope this boy survives! Pray for his speedy recovery! ❤?
