My Dad, Antonio Minichiello

Hi, my name is Bianca Minichiello, and I am 17 years old, I am the oldest child of Antonio Minichiello. A few months ago, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer; “Glioblastoma, Brain Tumors.” He had surgery at Columbia Presbyterian on May 12th, 2023, and is currently receiving Radiation and Chemo, daily. Glioblastoma is a cancer that is growing rapidly in his brain, affecting his everyday life.

This cancer is limiting the time that he has not only with me, but with my younger brother Joseph who is only twelve and my mom Desiree and every other member of our family.

I am creating this GoFundMe page to help my dad. We want our dad to be with us as long as possible, we have so many more memories to create with him. I will be a Senior this year and my brother will be going into eighth grade, and we want our dad to share in this amazing time in our lives. Anyone who knows my dad knows that family is everything to him. My dad started to work at the early age of eleven, when he came to America in 1970, with my Nonno, nonna and my uncle. He did not even speak English and went caddying at Wing Foot Country Club, delivered newspapers, and worked as a landscaper, he did all these jobs so he could help his parents. A few years later my grandparents had another child, a baby girl. My dad also helped his parents by helping in taking care of my aunt while my grandparents worked.

Upon completing High School, he joined the Marine Corps. Where he completed 13 hard weeks of Boot Camp at Parris Island. He received an Honorable Discharge, due to vision issues, later in life he had a Cornea Transplant.

While working in real estate, he met my mom. They were married and had 2 children, myself, and my brother. My dad loves us more than words can say.

My dad will have many major obstacles in front of him. These obstacles have and will continue to impact the quality of his life and independence. My dad is an extremely brave person, we feel that he got that strength from when he was in the Military (Marine Corps). No matter what the circumstance, he walks around with a smile on his face every day and continues to remain optimistic. I truly admire his perseverance and positive outlook.

The impact of this cancer will also affect him and our family financially. He is currently unable to work, due to his daily radiation and chemo. We know in the future he will need more assistance every day, and it will be financially impossible to provide him with the care that is required of him.

Anyone who knows my dad knows that he is a great person, who has a lot more fight left in him. I love my dad beyond what words can express. I am asking family, friends and anyone who may be affected by this disease, to please consider donating, no matter how small or large of a contribution. In addition, please share our story with anyone you may know who would be willing to donate.

Please join me and my family in this fight because my dad has a lot more life for him to live.

Thank you in advance for reading our story and supporting my dad, my mom, me, and my younger brother.