George’s Story

Site created on September 4, 2019

One of George’s favorite things to do is walk 3-4 miles at World’s End. When it started to fatigue him, we blamed it on the heat. When he couldn’t do everyday tasks because he was fatigued and short of breath, he saw his doctor. After a whirlwind week of tests, doctors believed it was a form of lymphoma. While in the hospital for a lymph node biopsy, a blood smear came back more concerning and George was transported to Dana-Farber inpatient at Brigham & Women’s Hospital...the best place to be! George was diagnosed with a type of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. George, being the warrior he is, went through a year of intense chemotherapy with good results. He was in month 6 of maintenance chemo when we found out he is no longer in remission.  George now needs a stem cell transplant and fortunately, his brother Artie, is a perfect match!  Before that can happen, he has to be in remission again.  Right now it’s 2 steps forward and 1 step back. The leukemia part is being treated but now he has to deal with a burst appendix. Surgery is in the near future.  I think this is the best way to keep updates going. George is determined and has been a Superstar! Anyone who knows George knows how friendly and charming he is so needless to say, he’s everyone’s favorite patient! Because...Everybody Loves George. 🧡

Newest Update

August 14, 2022

Journal entry by Karen Riccio —

Today is George’s birthday 🥳. He would have been 72. It has been a quiet day. We had cupcakes for breakfast to celebrate papa’s birthday 🧁😊🧁. Kristen and the boys visited papa to give him a flower and sing Happy Birthday 🎶. They’re off to an overnight adventure in Connecticut 🐋 🐄 🐓 🐐 🐖. It’s quiet here. I’m going to dinner with a dear friend. Everyone has been so nice and checking in on me. It is so appreciated ♥️ #everybodylovesgeorge 🧡 #everybodymissesgeorgetoo 🧡. Sending lots of love 💕 

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