POINT PLEASANT – Billy Paterno, a two-year-old of Point Pleasant, was just like your average toddler who loved playing outside and with his toy dinosaurs.
But six months ago, his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with ALL T-cell leukemia.
Billy has been undergoing treatment and intensive inpatient chemotherapy. Despite his strongest efforts, he and his family have learned that Billys’ leukemia persists.
“Even with his illness, complications, and intense therapy, Billy has kept his bright determined spirit,” according to a written statement on DKMS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
In March, a GoFundMe was made to help the family with medical expenses and had raised over $90,000.
Billy now faces his biggest challenge yet: inpatient hospitalization and preparation for a bone marrow transplant.
“Please pray for Billy, as he has a long road ahead,” Andrew Leustek wrote in an update on GoFundMe. Leustek organized this fundraiser on behalf of Billy’s parents William and Danielle.
To donate to the GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/pzk8pw-billy. To see if you’re the perfect match as a donor for Billy, register at dkms.org/get-involved/virtual-drives/billy.
