The Turano Family: End-of-Life Care for Tina and Emilio

*update* on 11/17 Emilio was admitted back to the hospital after becoming septic for the fourth time in the last 2 months. He rapidly deteriorated over the next 24 hours and despite the nursing staff's best efforts, Emilio was too weak to continue fighting. At 3:12pm today, Monday 11/18 he passed surrounded by Joe, Julia and Tina.

My brother-in-law, Joe, and my sister, Julia, who are newlyweds, are facing the devastating reality of losing both of his parents to terminal illnesses in the near future. As an only child, Joe has no other family to rely on, leaving him and Julia to shoulder the entire burden of caregiving for his parents.

When Joe and Julia bought their house, they envisioned the four of them living together, with Emilio caring for his wife, Tina, while Julia and Joe were at work. However, with Emilio’s rapid deterioration, that has become impossible. Now, they are faced with the overwhelming responsibility of taking care of both parents on their own.

Joe’s mother, Tina, has always been the heart of their family. Her love was expressed through the meals she prepared—rich, traditional Italian dishes that brought everyone together. Cooking was her way of showing affection, filling her home with warmth and the smell of simmering sauces. But during the pandemic, Tina began to struggle with something she loved dearly. She noticed weakness in her arms, and what started as a small issue quickly became a serious concern. Over the next year, she found herself bouncing between doctors' offices, seeking answers, and enduring multiple misdiagnoses. Finally, she received the heartbreaking news: she had Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Since her diagnosis, Tina’s condition has worsened rapidly. She has lost all use of her arms and legs, now weighing just 90 pounds, and requires full assistance for every aspect of daily life. ALS will soon rob her of even more—she will eventually lose the ability to eat, speak, and breathe on her own. As the disease progresses, she will become trapped inside her own body, fully aware but unable to communicate or move, until the disease ultimately takes her life.

At the same time, Joe’s father, Emilio, was diagnosed with skin cancer on his scalp, which was complicated by the Lupus diagnosis he already had. Despite initial treatments, the cancer progressed aggressively, spreading into the bone of his skull and, tragically, into his brain. The cancer has not only caused Emilio immense physical pain, but it has also affected his cognition. He now struggles with memory and confusion, and his ability to walk has significantly deteriorated. Over the past six months, Emilio has been in and out of the hospital, as his condition worsens. Both Tina and Emilio are now in the final stages of their illnesses, and their life expectancy is heartbreakingly short.

The emotional and physical toll of watching this unfold is unbearable for Joe and Julia, especially as they face the challenge of providing full-time care for both parents.

Both parents now require assistance with every aspect of daily life—bathing, feeding, dressing, and medical needs. The costs of professional in-home care, medical supplies, and other necessary services are astronomical, and insurance will not cover everything, especially as Tina’s condition continues to deteriorate and her needs increase. We are raising funds to specifically support the caregiving costs for both Tina and Emilio. This includes essential medical treatments, specialized care, necessary medical equipment, and hospital and hospice expenses. It is estimated that around $100,000 will be needed for just one parent to have around-the-clock care for the next six months. These funds will ensure that they receive the care and support they need in the most compassionate way possible. Every dollar raised will go toward alleviating the immense financial burden on Joe and Julia, allowing them to focus on spending their remaining time with his parents.

Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign, will make a significant difference in this family’s life. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity during this heartbreaking time.

**Donate Today to Help Provide Critical Care for Tina and Emilio**