Marissa DiMaggio
Donation protected
Marissa DiMaggio was taken from this earth on January 27th, 2016. Marissa had been given the unenviable obstacle of battling the harrowing disease, named Ewing Sarcoma. In middle school and high school she had developed a great love with the performing arts. She had received her greatest fulfillment by dancing and student teaching jazz and hip hop at the All for Dance Studio. She had shined all throughout middle school and highschool up until May, 2010, when she began a journey which is the reason you are reading about her today.
In May 2010, Marissa began to experience discomfort in her left hip and experienced sciatic pain down to her left leg. Under the assumption it was just a pulled muscle or common soreness she persevered through the pain. Dance soon became too painful and everyday tasks were a challenge to perform. In February 2011, Marissa was diagnosed to have a tumor at her pelvic area, and an appointment was scheduled with the oncology team at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia the very next day.
After testing, Marissa's oncologist confirmed what Marissa's family had feared; she had a rare form of cancer named Ewing Sarcoma. Ewing Sarcoma is a rare disease that affects just 200 Americans annually and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Marissa's treatment began in March 2011 when the first of six rounds of chemotherapy began. The treatments were successful and in late 2011, Marissa went into remission. Even though Marissa's teenage experience had changed her outlook on life remained positive and her love for the arts remained constant.
Marissa entered Ramapo College in the fall of 2013 to study accounting. College was becoming a wonderful experience; she remained committed to her education and met many new friends and joined a sorority! It appeared that all of Marissa's health concers had passed, until mid-Septemeber 2014, when the same hip pain had returned. Marissa took the NJ Transit train home that day and would never be healthy enough to return to college.
Unfortunately, after additonal radiation and chemothearpy, the Pennsylvania Hospital's oncology unit said they could not offer curative treatment. With the aid of the Pennsylvania Hosital, Marissa was accepted at the St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennesee. Marissa would remain in Tennesse until she passed on January 27th.
Marissa had an amazing support system at home and at school, between her friends, sisters, and her boyfriend. Marissa loved Delta Phi Epsilon and all of her sisters were eager for her return which was anticipated to be in the fall of 2015. We were all devastated when we were told she would not be returning that semester. We have held numerous fundraisers for Marissa and would send her care packages to let her know she still has a place in our hearts and in our sorority. Now we are asking for a heartfelt donation to offset the medical expenses. We are hoping to raise $2000. Your generosity is greatly apperciated, any donation $5, $10, $20, $100 or greater would be an important set in reducing the hardship placed upon the family during this journey.
In May 2010, Marissa began to experience discomfort in her left hip and experienced sciatic pain down to her left leg. Under the assumption it was just a pulled muscle or common soreness she persevered through the pain. Dance soon became too painful and everyday tasks were a challenge to perform. In February 2011, Marissa was diagnosed to have a tumor at her pelvic area, and an appointment was scheduled with the oncology team at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia the very next day.
After testing, Marissa's oncologist confirmed what Marissa's family had feared; she had a rare form of cancer named Ewing Sarcoma. Ewing Sarcoma is a rare disease that affects just 200 Americans annually and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Marissa's treatment began in March 2011 when the first of six rounds of chemotherapy began. The treatments were successful and in late 2011, Marissa went into remission. Even though Marissa's teenage experience had changed her outlook on life remained positive and her love for the arts remained constant.
Marissa entered Ramapo College in the fall of 2013 to study accounting. College was becoming a wonderful experience; she remained committed to her education and met many new friends and joined a sorority! It appeared that all of Marissa's health concers had passed, until mid-Septemeber 2014, when the same hip pain had returned. Marissa took the NJ Transit train home that day and would never be healthy enough to return to college.
Unfortunately, after additonal radiation and chemothearpy, the Pennsylvania Hospital's oncology unit said they could not offer curative treatment. With the aid of the Pennsylvania Hosital, Marissa was accepted at the St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennesee. Marissa would remain in Tennesse until she passed on January 27th.
Marissa had an amazing support system at home and at school, between her friends, sisters, and her boyfriend. Marissa loved Delta Phi Epsilon and all of her sisters were eager for her return which was anticipated to be in the fall of 2015. We were all devastated when we were told she would not be returning that semester. We have held numerous fundraisers for Marissa and would send her care packages to let her know she still has a place in our hearts and in our sorority. Now we are asking for a heartfelt donation to offset the medical expenses. We are hoping to raise $2000. Your generosity is greatly apperciated, any donation $5, $10, $20, $100 or greater would be an important set in reducing the hardship placed upon the family during this journey.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sara Alexandra
Organizer
Mahwah, NJ
Rich DiMaggio
Beneficiary