Tim Bonavita: We've Got Your Back!

     Tim Bonavita is no stranger to bad luck and unusual health challenges.  In 2011, Tim thought he was suffering from a summer cold. In a matter of days, things went from bad to unthinkable as Tim was placed on life support and transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital.  The "simple cold" was actually a rare case of the deadly Hantavirus.  Even rarer was the fact that Tim survived.  Ultimately, Tim was able to battle back from multi-system organ failure  caused by the virus and was able to recover fully.  

     This brush with death was the catalyst for Tim to pursue his dream of acting.  Over the past several years, he has been working hard in the industry, both in front of and behind the camera and has been enjoying every minute.

    This summer, however, Tim noticed ever increasing lower back pain and thought it was just a "simple back injury."  After he had several months of various treatments, an MRI revealed another unthinkable finding.  A tumor was discovered on his spine and Tim found himself back at Yale New Haven for another grueling hospital stay where, in an  intensive 11 hour operation, surgeons  removed the tumor and a part of his spine.  In addition, a titanium cage was built to support his weakened back and to protect his spinal nerves where the vertabrae had been removed. 

     A biopsy revealed that the tumor was a rare type of chondrosarcoma, or cancer of the cartilage in his spine.  After recovering from his surgery, Tim began his follow up treatment at a dedicated sarcoma center in Boston.  He traveled over 2.5 hours both to and from Boston daily for his subsequent radiation treatments.  Though potentially lifesaving, these treatments brought along the challenges of increased pain, nausea, and fatigue.

     Thoughout this crisis Tim has done his best to keep a positive attitude and bright outlook.  But even with his best intentions it has been difficult for him to put his dreams on hold and to be out of work while he focuses on his recovery.  

    This gofundme fundraiser was set up by Tim's family in response to an outpouring of support from both friends and family. Many people who are unable to attend the March 12 fundraiser have expressed a desire to offer assistance during this difficult time.  You can help Tim Bonavita as he battles this terrible disease with your love and encouragement and with your generous donations which will help to defray the costs of mounting copays, medications and travel expenses.  Thank you so much for showing Tim that you've "got his back" in his fight against spinal cancer.