Luca has made a lot of progress over the past few days. After a few scary nights in the POU, his breathing problem began to resolve itself, his white cell counts continued to climb, and he started to look like himself again. Yesterday we were released back to the normal floor, and today Luca was playing and laughing, a site we hadn't seen in a few weeks.
We also got back an important test that was sent out last week. The results show that Luca is engrafted with 100% of the donor cells, which is very good news. The transplant team was excited and optimistic about the progress, and we feel incredibly grateful. Thank you to everyone who took care of Luca during his rough patch, and to Luca for staying so strong.
Here's a
slide-show of the pediatric floor at Sloan-Kettering that was recently posted on their site.
Happy 1st Birthday Luca!!
Love,
The Whole Cimino/Dippold family.
(Michelle, Alex, Nikky, A.J. Michael, Aunt Carol, Uncle Butch, John, Kelli, John, Jake, Jordan Jr.) ;) :)
Posted by: Nikky Cimino | December 20, 2008 at 10:39 PM
As we await the birth of our Lord and Savior, we rejoice in the birth and birthday of our own little Light, Luca. This is such a special day for Luca, you-Greg and Manal, and all of us who have been touched by your love and strength. We are sure that no material gift can compare to the gift of Luca's life that we all have been given. Thanks be to God.
Love,
Diane and Jerry
Posted by: Diane and Jerry | December 19, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Sending awesome birthday wishes to our precious little trailblazer who has had quite an adventure your first year. You are indeed one of our most special blessings, Luca Dukes! Can't wait to see you and your Mama & Babba in a week. Tons of love, hugs & kisses, Nana & Papa
Posted by: Nana & Papa V | December 19, 2008 at 06:11 PM
YEAH!! LUCA I AM SO SO VERY PROUD OF YOU- YOUR STRENGTH IS TRULY ADMIRABLE! I love you so much and I am praying for you every night- I love you always!
Rina
Posted by: Rina | December 19, 2008 at 05:49 PM
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY LUCA!!! SENDING YOU BIRTHDAY HUGS AND KISSES FROM CANADA WHERE IT IS SNOWING LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS!
What a milestone this birthday is for you, sweet baby, wishing you many many more joyous birthdays with your beautiful mother and awesome babba. Hugs to both of you too! Luca, you continue to be in my prayers everyday. I hope you are feeling better these days. You have been through so much in your first year of life. I hope that the next year will be filled with good health, happiness, and love, but maybe a little less "drama" :) and more relaxing fun family times! Thats my birthday wish for you!
Love you guys lots, thinking of Luca on his special day
Sue and Michael Dufton
Posted by: Susan Dufton | December 19, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Happy Birthday Luca! You've been such a warrior your first year. Greg and Manal, congratulations on Luca's 1st birthday. I know you guys are proud of him, and as well everyone is proud of you guys for being the best parents you could be through these times. You guys define dedication and inspiration! God bless you guys on this day and many more birthdays to come! As always you guys are in our hearts and our prayers. With love, James, Janelle, Jennifer, Jim & Patty.
Posted by: James | December 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy Luca: What a journey you have been on this past year. You and your Mommy and Daddy have shown all of us what courage, faith, hope and love are all about. As you turn this corner, may God continue to walk with you as you become the healthiest little guy running around your Brooklyn apartment and giving Mommy a run for her money! Great big hugs to all of you.
Love,
Aunt Sari
Posted by: Sari Remon | December 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCA!!! Hope your day is as special as you are!
We love you!!
The Craig's
Posted by: Joanne, Brian, Alexander & Alaina Craig | December 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING LUCA :you are such a special little man to all of us. greg and manal you are our heroes!!!! luca was born to the world's bestest mommy and daddy !! we pray everyday for all of you. i am sure you feel all our love and prayers reaching across the miles...have a great day, you are truley so special in all our hearts!!! can't wait to see all of you. be prepared for more hugs and kisses you have ever received!!! we love you always and forever! the Ayers'
Posted by: aunt patty ayers | December 19, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Happy Birthday Luca.... Keep fighting and we'll keep doing the white count dance until your counts are back and your all better...
Love from Brooklyn
Posted by: Patty & Joe | December 19, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Happy Birthday Luca!! Here's to having a great healthy fun filled year! You deserve it!
Posted by: Karen and Mark Henry | December 19, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Luca
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!
xoxo
Auntie Sals & Fam=)
Posted by: Sally, Andrew, Christian and Cameron | December 18, 2008 at 11:43 PM
So glad to hear that things are going better for little Luca! His continued progress is in our daily prayers! Best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you!!!
Posted by: Denise Jackson | December 17, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Wonderful news! Thank you Luca for bringing joy to all of us at The Children's School. Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Steve Quester | December 16, 2008 at 07:58 PM
We're so happy to hear the good news!! Luca is such a strong little boy. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to all,
Tony, Kristyn, Mady, & Anthony
Posted by: Tony, Kristyn, Madalyne & Anthony Sousou | December 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM
so happy to hear that luca is laughing, must be music to your ears! it's all so amazing, not only the progress but the strength of such a little guy and the love of those around him. there are so many of us that are praying and thinking of you all!
Posted by: shannon Comer | December 14, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Luca, you are the man - Hooray. We are celebrating in Brooklyn. We can't stop smiling.
With much love,
Rose, Michael and Tess
Posted by: Rose Murphy | December 13, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Luca, you are the man. We are celebrating in Brooklyn. We can't stop smiling.
With much love,
Rose, Michael and Tess
Posted by: Rose Murphy | December 13, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Hooray for Luca!!
I love chicken riggi's and leben immo!!
Hugs & Kisses to you and to your Mommy & Daddy too...
XOXOXOXO
Holly, Andy & the boys
Posted by: Holly, Andy, Tommy & Matthew Kane | December 11, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Hooray for Luca!!
You are amazing and I love chicken riggi's and leben immo!!!
Hugs & Kisses to you little guy and to your Mommy & Daddy too.
XOXOXOXO
Holly, Andy & the boys
Posted by: Holly, Andy, Tommy & Matthew Kane | December 11, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Hooray for Luca!!
You are amazing and I love chicken riggi's and leben immo!!!
Hugs & Kisses to you little guy and to your Mommy & Daddy too.
XOXOXOXO
Holly, Andy & the boys
Posted by: Holly, Andy, Tommy & Matthew Kane | December 11, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Even though one choses his path in life, it is God who directs his steps. The path Luca has been on is arduous, but his strength is certainly envious. Always thinking and praying for y'all.
N.B I am thankful that you have the care and compassion and possibly the best nursing and medical staff in the WORLD. Go Sloan!!
Posted by: jeanann | December 11, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Dudirinos. What did you expect? His name is Luca Vassallo for Pete's sake! He's part chicken riggi, part leben immo. I would think twice before messing with Luca, he's hot.
Booo Yah!
Posted by: Untie Su | December 11, 2008 at 02:38 PM
This WONDERFUL news is truly the blessing of this holiday season! Luca is such a HERO!
We love and miss you!
Nabil, Irene, Rina and Tee
Posted by: Nabil, Irene, Rina and Tanya | December 11, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Yippie kai yay! Stupendous news! The strength and fortitude shown by all three of you makes my heart swell with gratitude. May God continue to walk with all of you in this journey of faith and perseverance as Luca becomes the healthy little boy he was meant to be. No greater Christmas gift can be had by all of us than reading about Luca's fortitude on his road to recovery. Big hugs to all three of you.
Love,
Aunt Sari
Posted by: Sari Remon | December 11, 2008 at 06:37 AM