Brave Billy's Journey of Hope
This story is about a special 14-month old little boy named Billy Biviano. I am very good friends with Billy's parents, Kristy & Vinny Biviano. Billy has two siblings: a twin brother Michael (who's also my godson), and a 7-year old brother named Joey.
Kristy and I met 3 years ago when my son was in Joey's Pre School Class. Even though I didn't know her that well, she always had a smile on. We finally met up for a play date and the rest is history. Kristy is like the sister I never had. I was there throughout her pregnancy with Billy and Michael. When Kristy & Vinny asked me to be Michael's Godmother, I was honored.
When Billy was 9 months old, his parents noticed something was wrong with his eye movements. They saw an ophthalmologist who said he had "horizontal nystagmus". He prescribed glasses for Billy in hopes it would correct the problem. Not long afterwards, his mom noticed some odd behavior from Billy. He babbled "mama" and "dada" for only a day or two before stopping and he was not acknowledging his name. Also, his overall lack of development was easy to notice when compared to that of his twin Michael. Growing increasingly concerned, his parents spoke to their pediatrician in early October, who got them an appointment with a pediatric neurologist the next day. Blood work, an EEG, and an MRI were all ordered. The EEG and blood work came out normal.
The MRI was performed on Nov. 13th.. On Nov 14th, the neurologist called Billy's parents into her office to deliver the unfortunate news. Billy was diagnosed with a brain tumor behind his optic nerve. It is called a low grade, Glio Neuronal tumor.
The tumor is inoperable and cannot be removed, both because of its bad location within his head and because the tumor is intertwined with normal brain matter. The doctors say his tumor is rare, and since they do not have any real case studies to compare it against, they are not even sure if chemo therapy will stop it from growing or what the long term affects of this tumor are for Billy. Doctors are hoping that chemo therapy will halt the tumor's growth until Billy gets older and can then maybe undergo a more aggressive form of treatment. Again, that's not guaranteed.
In a matter of 1 month, their lives have been turned upside down. This sweet little boy and his family have a very long road ahead of them. Your prayers and donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Billy's Journey will be updated frequently by either myself or Billy's family.